The semifinal series against KalPa will be decided in the seventh game on Tuesday in Lahti. The leader of the supporters’ association promises a strong rally in the stands for the home game, at least.
On Tuesday, Lahti Pelicans will meet KalPa from Kuopio in the decisive seventh game of the quarter-final series of the Finnish Hockey Championship.
In the series, the match wins are equal 3–3. The winner of Tuesday’s match will continue to the semi-finals, and the 2022–2023 league season of the loser will end there.
– Although the stoppage game is a great so-called mythical event, on the other hand it is just like any other game. We believe in our own way of playing and we prepare like we do for other games.
In the previous match, Lahti lost 5–1 in Kuopio. At that time, it seemed like many bugs were left behind by the Pelicans.
*–* You shouldn’t shoot pointless shots, but the goal pressure must be clearly increased towards the opponent’s goalie, Niemelä says.
According to Niemelä, the match series features two teams that play very similarly.
– There is little space and time on the ice. There is very little to do with the puck, because there is an opponent on both sides of the skin all the time.
Fiery fight also in the stands
– They have responded to what the Pelicans have given. It’s been a heated battle so far.
The stalemate in the semifinal series makes Villgren linger.
– This is the best time for a supporter, even if you play for big stakes and even if you are very tense before the second day before the game.
According to Villgren, the Pelicans supporters are supposed to put on a strong rally in the stands.
– The main focus is on encouraging our own. Provoking opponents is part of it, admits Villgren of Lahen Turkoos.