The returning National Team players Tuomainen, Karalahti, Hurme and Sihvonen together with their teammates took on lowly Kalpa, Kuopio before an announced attendance of 5008. The heaviest snowstorm of the winter and weak opposition were clear reasons
for the low number.
As so many times before, Kalpa, fielding the lowest budget in the League and, third year in a row, occupying last spot could not
compete on even terms. When two quick powerplay goals made a one goal deficit - three goals, early in the second the game was over.
Worth noting was the home debut of #13 Jamie Baker. In addition to his assist on Nieminen´s SH goal, I was impressed with his efficient skating and face-off skills together with a couple of
state-of-the-art passes that with a little of luck would have resulted in goals for his linemates.
Seeing Nieminen on Baker´s wing was little bit disappointing as he´s clearly been our #1 center in the new year. This was probably due to the suspensions keeping Kuhta and Mäkiaho off the ice.
I´ve had the pleasure to be in touch with a well informed hockeywriter in the U.S lately. I was puzzled by a rumour out last week that put Jan Caloun back in San Jose exchanged for C Jarrod Skalde it sounded strange in many ways, but here´s the word I got back:
"You may be interested to know that the San Jose Sharks recalled Jarrod Skalde from Kentucky today. I talked with Jarrod before he left. He said he had not heard of any rumors that he would be playing in Finland, but he said there is no way it will happen.
He said the Sharks may very well want Jan Caloun back in North America, but San Jose has never assigned a veteran to play in Europe. Juniors are often returned, of course, but Jan Caloun went to Finland on his own; the Sharks happen to retain rights if he decides to return to North America. Skalde says he has nothing against Finland but would not want to travel overseas for several reasons. For one, he has an infant son (less than a year old). Last month, he purchased a home for the off-season in San
Diego. And he wants to be close to NHL cities."
Does not leave to much room for further speculation, does it ?!
Jan Caloun enjoyed again the time and room he got setting up four goals. This takes him to 21+48=69 this year. The League record is 93 and with 12 games left Jan would need another 25 points to make a new record. Will he make it ? I doubt it, but wish him luck.
As the defensive efforts were few and far between G Tim Thomas got some opportunities to keep himself warm and was really tested three or four times, but came out a winner. The lone goal came vs. a two man advantage.
Niemine-Baker-Tuomainen
Hurme-Sihvonen-Caloun
Kalto-Ahonen-Väisänen
Ruutu-alternating centers -Rajamäki
Siren-Rafalski
Nikko-Karalahti
Kultanen-Rajala
From
Stars:
*** Caloun
** Rafalski
* Thomas