Match report Lukko-KalPa

Lukko - KalPa 2 - 1 (0-0, 1-1, 1-0) Stats Photo gallery

KalPa was today the second opponent of the season for Lukko. Both teams lost their first game of the season. Lukko coach Jarmo Tolvanen made some changes in the line-up. Jamie Wright moved back to his familiar position as a left winger. Tähtinen became first centre, Toporowski replaced him in the second line and Tuomainen moved up two lines.

Lukko started good. KalPa was put directly under pressure. It did result in some shooting chances but Lukko could not disturb KalPa goalie Kimmo Kapanen. Physically Lukko was much more stronger but technically KalPa was equal. KalPa played a good passing game and they were able to keep the puck in the offensive zone. Langkow had to make some important saves.

Lukko started the second period killing a penalty from Pasi Saarela, which was left from the first period. Just a few seconds after Saarela came back, KalPa scored 0-1. A first shot from Terry Harrison was saved by Langkow but the rebound was scored by Sami Salonen. 
Lukko had to put more pressure on the KalPa defence and overrun them with physical play. The best check of the evening was made by Miikka Tuomainen. Less than 5 minutes after the goal of KalPa, Lukko scored 1-1. Jamie Wright passed the puck to Saarela who brilliantly outplayed Kimmo Kapanen. The other assist was from Markku Tähtinen. It was a well deserved goal for Lukko because they played better as KalPa.

In the third period it was again Lukko that tried to make the game winning goal. KalPa had sometimes difficulties with the physical play of Lukko but they managed to keep up. Often they came out with quick break aways. The technical play of KalPa was sometimes difficult to defend for Lukko. With their technical and quick forwards KalPa kept the puck in the team. It looked like it was going to get into overtime but one and a half minute before the end, Tommi Hannu scored 2-1. After being send away by Shayne Toporowski, he scored in two times. Kapanen managed to save first but in the rebound Hannus did what he had to do and delivered Lukko the first win of the season.

The changes that were made in the line up worked out well. Lukko played better as on Thursday in Pori. The level of play was better and like Jarmo Tolvanen said in the press, "we are still in a building process". Tuesday Lukko plays in Hämeenlinnä against HPK.