0 VS 1
0 VS 1
School´s out - for summer !
HIFK 0 TPS, 1999-04-18
The scoring drought that has hampered HIFK on several occasions this season again occured and at the worst possible time.
The game itself was not worthy the label "final" as the intensity and hitting making the previous games in the series really fired up, had vanished. Left were two teams trying 100% to avoid physical contact and especially penalties.
The late, one game, suspension of Jan Caloun did have an effect, but the truth is that despite the somewhat "easy" goal conceded; a team that doesn´t score will not win games.
The loss feels even tougher as rumour tell the likelihood of keeping the squad intact are marginal with the NHL and other Leagues taking their toll.
Bidding farewell to the likes of Rafalski (NJ Devils), Jere Karalahti (LA Kings) and possibly Tuomainen, J.Ruutu and Lydman would have been easier with a final win.