SM league: Kiekko-Espoo’s rough streak continues

Kiekko-Espoon the sticky grips in the hockey SM league continued when the team faced Ilves in Tampere on Friday. The team from Espoo, running towards the playoff limit in the standings, was on its feet from the start and finally lost crushingly with 5–0 goals.

The loss was Kiekko-Espo’s sixth out of the last seven matches.

Kiekko-Espoon made a save with the goal Sami Rajaniemibecause the team’s number one goalkeeper Petteri Rimpinen is with the Young Lions in the camp preparing for the World Cup.

The opening goal of the match Arttu Niskanenwho flicked a wrist shot accurately into the back corner. The hit was the 21-year-old defender’s first in the SM league.

Golden helmet Matic is Turkish hit a loose puck into the net after 13 minutes of play. Kiekko-Espoo challenged the goal, but according to the referees, there was no goalkeeper interference in the situation, and Ilves took a 2–0 lead.

When the challenge did not produce results, Kiekko-Espoo was underpowered. It was played for 45 seconds until the defender Simon Johansson flicked the puck accurately into the top corner and Ilves was already three goals away.

In another in the set, the visitors got into the game better, but the scoreboard didn’t show it. We went into the break with a 3–0 home lead.

At the beginning of the third period, Kiekko-Espoo’s thinly fluttering flame of hope went out. The cold waters poured Teemu Engbergwho floated the puck from Rajaniemi’s legs into the net in 45:59.

And when it goes, it goes. Ilves got the upper hand in 50:43, and 1:20 later Luke Henman sivalsi from the front corner the final readings.

Profit was Ilves’ first from Kiekko-Espoo this season. There are two losses.

Kiekko-Espoo will be able to claim their third win quickly, as the teams will meet on Saturday in Espoo.