Match report Lukko-JYP

Lukko - JYP 1 - 3 (1-2, 0-1, 0-0) Stats

After the first home win since October 8th on Tuesday, Lukko lost again its home match. JYP went home with the three points, due to excellent goaltending.

Before the match it was clear that this was going to be a difficult match. JYP lost only four matches so far and won seven out of nine overtime plays. Lukko started reasonable. Tolvanen did not make many changes in the line-up after Tuesday. Both teams had some chances in the first half of the period. After five and half minutes JYP got their first penalty. Lukko played the power play well and created some chances but Wallinheimo showed excellent goaltending. Before the end of the power play, JYP received another penalty. Lukko continued playing 5-on-4 but a lack of luck and speed in the power play denied any goals.

At 11.11, JYP scored 0-1. Lukko lost the puck in the offensive zone when building up an attack. JYP took profit of the disorganisation in the Lukko defence. Carlo Grunn got the puck from Antti Virtanen and beat Scott Langkow for the first time. Just a minute after that, Lukko conceded the second goal. Again the defence did not look good. Miikka Männikkö just waited long enough so that Langkow was out of position and scored 0-2. Tolvanen called a time-out to get Lukko back on track. It helped. Lukko got their play together and put heavy pressure on the JYP defence.

The pressure resulted in a goal, which was deserved at that moment. Pauli Levokari scored his first goal for Lukko. Kauvosaari kept the overview. Levokari came skating from the blue line to tip in the puck behind Wallinheimo, 1-2.

The first half of the second period was for Lukko. Pressure continued on the JYP defence but Wallinheimo kept his goal clean from more goals. After 32 minutes, JYP hammered all hopes of a good result down when Tero Koponen scored a shorthanded goal. A quick break away from JYP was not defended properly and Scott Langkow got beaten for the third time.

Lukko never came over this goal. The precision was missing to break through the JYP defence. The third period did not bring what was needed. JYP controlled the game. Lukko had to be constantly aware for the break aways. JYP was even more close to scoring a fourth goal. The fans started even to call for the resignation of Tolvanen.

It is obvious that Lukko is searching for its form. Also last nights game had some moments of good hockey. A lack of luck and precision denied Lukko from scoring more goals and JYP had excellent goaltending. On the other hand, the defence is something to worry about. Too many mistakes are made and teams like JYP take gratefull advantage of that.

Tonight is the away match against HIFK in Helsinki.