MD IFK



Recap
5 - 4
28.10.2000 Rollercoaster style, but saved by the bell
It didn´t take a regular hockey fan long to learn the facts of this outing. Even if the numerical outcome looks close there was never any doubt how the game would end so imminent was the difference between, top of table, IFK and non-play off HPK.  The hometeam went 4-0 tallying three times on the PP and once shorthanded, but then as so often before they stopped skating and totally lost concentration, letting HPK back in the game. Pavel Rosa, the Czech sniper, wearing the gold helmet (best pointscorer) for HPK, was mostly visible in negative terms by slashing Giroux repeatedly on the hands and by spearing Stepanek in the second
period. Later on he performed better recording 1+1 points, but it remains a mystery why he wasn´t called for the slashes.
Noteworthy:
1) #35 Sakari Lindfors shut out HPK, but was releaved by #30 Ari Ahonen, apparently a case of food poisoning
2) Jaroslav Bednar scored twice, on PP, in a 15 second span. Assists: Marek Zidlicky, Ray Giroux
3) The "Gold Helmet" was passed on to Mika Nieminen (from Lasse Pirjetä)
4) IFK will play the next three away, next home date Nov 16th vs. Tappara, Tampere.

Recap
4 - 1
24.10.2000 IFK hockey leaves the doldrums
Gone was the lacklustre tone both on and off the ice and sheer determination was visible among the players. Tonights game showcased what we really can expect when hockey reemerges from its current mellow shape imposed by the SM-League and its officials. There were the inconsistencies both in assessing the calls and  in adjusting the tolerance level, but still this was hockey. Jokerit were casualties of their normally flawless goaltending as the gwg and the go ahead goal slipped in seemingly easily behind, so far almost undefeatable Nurminen. When starting to evaluate todays performance by IFK, I have to admit to feeling an air of uncertainty as the starting goalie (Lindfors) was announced, but thankfully I was proved dead wrong once again. The mature play of Hurme, forechecking the daylights out of the immobile Jokerit defenders and Mikko Kurvinen´s solid defensive presence were well worth the admission fee, but first star was inevitably rugged #68 Hannes Hyvönen, scoring the opening goal on a, clever, diagonal pass by Giroux from the edge of the left circle and adding an empty netter with four seconds to go in regulation. Hyvönen maintained his composure despite several unpenalised infractions did not retaliate, but took every stride effectively and efficiently according to the gameplan. First player in on a shift and the last man out securing the line-changes. Several other players filled their roles more than respectably, but you cant praise everybody. The work ethic #9 Kimmo Kuhta displayed on the PK in the third period when he singlehandledly made a fool of the opposing special team was also phenomenal. What decided the outcome ? 1) goaltending, Nurminen needs a rest 2) top lines, held each other scoreless 3) gameplan, did Jokerit have one ?
4) work ethic, Hurme, Kuhta, Hyvönen 5) defenders, name a, non-IFK, puckcarrying D.