The first match of February was not the easiest as Ilves had plenty of penalties and an inefficient offensive game. Lukko from Rauma won the match 1-4 and Matias Maccelli was Ilves’ only goal scorer.
Physical first period
Start of the first period was pretty even and neither team celebrated with scoring chances. At 8:14 Ilves got a minor for having too many men on ice and moments later Tuomas Salmela got a penalty for cross-checking. This meant that Ilves’ penalty kill unit had a lot of work to do early. Ilves’ penalty kill was up to the task and was flawless even though Kalle Maalahti got another penalty shortly after the first one ended.
Ilves got a powerplay chance of their own at the end of the first period. The powerplay did not manage to score, though. The best scoring chance was Santeri Airola’s slapshot from the blueline but that was rather easily saved by Lassi Lehtinen.
There were no goals scored in the first. Despite that the period was fast-paced and entertaining as both teams played physical hockey.
Ilves down by two goals after two periods
The second period started like the first ended. Eetu Mäkiniemi made a spectacular save and prevented almost a certain goal. However, at 26:22, Lukko scored its first goal of the evening. Eetu Koivistoinen managed to score somehow from behind the net. A few minutes later Joni Ikonen had a chance to tie the game but Lehtinen stetched his blocker between the puck and net.
At 31:21 Lukko doubled its lead. Vili Saarijärvi shot a slapshot that found its way past Mäkiniemi after the puck deflected from his glove. After this Ilves added pressure and created a few decent scoring chances. The home team got their second powerplay opportunity right at the end of the period. The opportunity fell short as Maalahti got a 2+10 minute penalty. Overall, Ilves had a good second period but the goals were missing.
Focusing on the rematch taking place tomorrow in Rauma
Ilves got a cold shower as Pavol Skalicky extended Lukko’s lead almost immediately after the intermission. A moment later, Mäkiniemi shut Ilves’ home-grown player, Julius Mattila, who nearly made it a 0-4 game.
Lukko got their fourth of the evening at 44:19. Robin Press shot a hard slapshot that found its way through Mäkiniemi. The goal was scored on powerplay as Eemeli Suomi witnessed Press’ goal from the penalty box. At 46:44 Ilves got the goal they were looking for. Matias Maccelli forechecked the puck from Lukkos’ defenseman and showed his capabilities as a goal scorer with a solid finish.
Maccelli’s goal was the only goal Ilves was able to score and it meant that Lukko took the three points to Rauma. The next match between these two teams takes place tomorrow in Rauma so the rematch is right around the corner.
