Story Summary
Pelicans suffered their first defeat of the season against Tappara, but winger Joona Kumpula continued his strong start by scoring in the match to draw Pelicans level in the third period. Kumpula, a Jokerit youth product, has four points in four games and has now scored in back-to-back fixtures. Pelicans sit with three wins from four games and will travel to Mikkeli to face Jukurit next.
Key Facts
- Joona Kumpula scored for Pelicans in their loss to Tappara, bringing the game to 2-2 in the third period.
- Kumpula is described as a Jokerit youth product.
- Kumpula has collected four points in four Liiga games to start the season.
- Kumpula scored in consecutive matches; his previous goal came against KalPa and was his first of the season.
- Pelicans suffered their first defeat after a strong start to the season; the club has three wins from four games.
- Pelicans struggled early against Tappara, with Kumpula saying they were badly outplayed in the opening stages.
- The team improved as the match progressed, but their power play failed to function effectively in the Tappara game.
- Pelicans were unable to relieve Tappara’s first or second wave of pressure consistently during the match.
- Pelicans’ third line created several good chances in the third period, but Tappara goaltender Christian Heljanko denied them.
- Pelicans will travel to Mikkeli to play Jukurit in their next fixture, scheduled for Friday.
IHM Discussion
Joona Kumpula’s early-season form offers Pelicans an attacking spark. Four points in as many games and goals in successive outings point to a productive start for the winger, giving the side another scoring threat when games tighten up.
The defeat to Tappara highlighted two areas for Pelicans to address. Kumpula was unhappy with the opening stages, while the power play lacked composure and puck control. Pelicans struggled to play through Tappara’s first and second layers of pressure, making it difficult to settle the game when they needed to.
Why It Matters
Pelicans’ 3-1 start shows the club is a genuine early positive in Liiga, but the Tappara defeat is an early reminder that margins are fine at this level. Kumpula’s production mitigates some concern: reliable secondary scoring shortens the list of problems to solve. If Pelicans can convert their created chances and tidy up power-play composure, their current form should be sustainable. Conversely, repeated poor starts and ineffective handling of pressure will make points harder to come by against top teams.
Mini Q&A
Did Joona Kumpula score in the Tappara game?
Yes. Joona Kumpula scored in the match against Tappara, bringing Pelicans level at 2-2 in the third period.
How productive has Kumpula been to start the season?
Kumpula has four points in four Liiga games and has scored in consecutive matches.
What was Pelicans’ record after the Tappara loss?
Pelicans had three wins from four games following the defeat to Tappara.
What were the main problems Pelicans faced in the Tappara match?
Pelicans started poorly, struggled to calm and control the puck, and their power play produced careless solutions without the required calmness.
Who do Pelicans play next?
Pelicans travel to Mikkeli to play Jukurit on Friday.
Coach Mark Comment
Kumpula’s scoring start gives Pelicans a useful attacking lift. The coaching priority is to pair that confidence with cleaner team habits: calmer exits under pressure, more patient power-play decisions and a sharper opening shift.
What Comes Next
Pelicans travel to Mikkeli to face Jukurit on Friday; the team intends to carry forward the improved play from the late stages of the Tappara match rather than dwell on the defeat.
IHM Final View
Joona Kumpula’s productive start is a clear positive for Pelicans. The Tappara loss exposed areas needing attention – starts, puck management and power-play composure – but Pelicans showed improvement as the game went on. If they make targeted corrections while Kumpula continues to contribute, the early-season promise remains intact.