Story Summary
Jokerit recorded their first Liiga victory of the season, beating Pelicans 3-0 to snap an 0-5 start. Tomi Karhunen kept a shutout with 20 saves. The match was marred by two heated incidents late in the second period: Oliver Larsen and Markus Nutivaara dropped their gloves and were both sent off after a roughly 30-second fight that began when Emil Kuusla drove into Pelicans goaltender František Poletín at 39:00. Shortly after the period ended, Max Krogdahl and Gabriel Fortier were also involved in an altercation; both received 2+2 minute penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct and violence. Larsen’s night ended just shy of two full periods.
Key Facts
- Jokerit defeated Pelicans 3-0.
- The victory was Jokerit’s first of the Liiga season after five straight losses.
- Tomi Karhunen posted the shutout with 20 saves.
- Oliver Larsen and Markus Nutivaara fought late in the second period and were both ejected.
- The fight sequence began at 39:00 after Jokerit’s Emil Kuusla went into Pelicans goaltender František Poletín.
- Emil Kuusla received a two-minute penalty for goalie interference.
- Max Krogdahl and Gabriel Fortier were involved in a separate confrontation after the second period and each received 2+2 minute penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct and violence.
- Oliver Larsen’s game lasted just under two periods.
IHM Discussion
The result gives Jokerit a necessary lift after a poor start, while Karhunen’s 20-save shutout offers a strong platform. However, the evening’s defining moments may be the physical confrontations rather than the goals. Two distinct incidents – one culminating in a fight and another after the second period – brought ejections and further penalties. Jokerit have the immediate benefit of a first win, but discipline and game management will remain an important focus.
Why It Matters
A first win changes the immediate mood for a club that had lost its first five league games. The altercations also create a secondary storyline: Jokerit must retain their competitive edge without taking penalties that disrupt their bench. The match will be remembered for Karhunen’s shutout and the heated exchanges late in the second period.
Mini Q&A
What was the score and who won?
Jokerit won 3-0 over Pelicans.
Who kept the shutout and how many saves were made?
Tomi Karhunen kept the shutout and made 20 saves.
Which players were ejected after a fight late in the second period?
Oliver Larsen and Markus Nutivaara fought and were both given game ejections.
What sparked the first altercation?
The first incident began at 39:00 when Jokerit’s Emil Kuusla went into Pelicans goaltender František Poletín; a subsequent skirmish between Larsen and Nutivaara followed.
Were there any further penalties after the second period?
Yes. Max Krogdahl and Gabriel Fortier were involved in a separate confrontation after the second period and each received 2+2 minute penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct and violence.
Coach Mark Comment
A goaltender’s shutout is the clearest form of reassurance a coach can get: it buys time to fix other issues. Still, discipline is a coaching responsibility as much as a player one. The ejections and extra penalties cost rhythm and force the bench to respond mid-game; tightening behaviour in those late-period moments is a practical and immediate coaching task.
IHM Final View
Jokerit’s 3-0 victory over Pelicans delivers a much-needed first win and a strong goaltending display. The two late-second-period incidents, which led to ejections and further penalties, ensured the match also carried a disciplinary edge. Jokerit will now look to turn that lift into steadier execution.