Story Summary
Juuso Hahl described Jokerit‘s 3-2 overtime victory over HIFK in the season’s first Helsinki derby as his side’s most complete 60-minute performance so far. The Jokerit head coach said his team controlled much of the game, created numerous scoring chances and limited HIFK’s opportunities.
Hahl said Jokerit’s own lack of finishing and a strong display from HIFK’s goaltender separated his side from taking three points. Asked about HIFK’s performance, he declined to assess the opposition and said the statistics would show which side had performed better.
The match also featured a heavy hit by HIFK defenceman Ilari Melart on Jokerit’s Riku Tuomola midway through the third period. Tuomola missed some shifts for the remainder of the game, although Hahl said the player appeared to be all right despite taking several knocks.
Afterwards, HIFK forward Eetu Liukas alleged that a Jokerit staff member had shouted from the bench at HIFK’s Niko Huuhtanen. Hahl said he had not noticed the alleged exchange and directed questions on the matter to Liukas.
Key Facts
- Jokerit beat HIFK 3-2 in overtime in the season’s first Helsinki derby.
- Jokerit head coach Juuso Hahl called it his team’s most complete 60-minute performance so far.
- Hahl said Jokerit created many scoring chances while keeping HIFK to few opportunities.
- Hahl said Jokerit’s finishing and an excellent performance by HIFK’s goaltender kept the game from becoming a three-point win for Jokerit.
- HIFK defenceman Ilari Melart delivered a heavy hit on Jokerit’s Riku Tuomola midway through the third period.
- Tuomola missed some shifts after the hit, but Hahl said he appeared to be all right.
- HIFK forward Eetu Liukas alleged that a Jokerit staff member shouted at Niko Huuhtanen from the bench; Hahl said he did not witness it.
IHM Discussion
Hahl’s assessment focused firmly on Jokerit’s control of play rather than the final margin. His comments pointed to a performance in which the team’s work without the puck and chance creation met its intended standard, even if the finishing did not deliver the regulation win he felt was available.
That distinction matters in an overtime result. Jokerit secured the victory, but Hahl’s post-match view was that the underlying balance of chances should have produced a clearer outcome. He offered no analysis of HIFK’s approach, instead keeping the emphasis on his own group.
The bench allegation remained unresolved in Hahl’s comments. Liukas made the allegation after the match, while Hahl said he had no awareness of the purported incident. Neither account establishes what happened beyond those respective statements.
Why It Matters
The derby delivered both a win for Jokerit and a strong internal benchmark from its head coach. Hahl’s description of the match as the team’s most complete 60 minutes gives particular weight to the way Jokerit managed possession, opportunities and defensive chances against HIFK.
Tuomola’s condition was also a notable post-match point after the third-period collision. Hahl’s indication that the player appeared to be all right was reassuring, while the fact that Tuomola missed shifts showed the immediate effect of the hit during the game.
The allegation involving the Jokerit bench adds an off-ice element to an already high-profile local fixture, but Hahl did not offer corroboration because he said he had not heard it.
Mini Q&A
What was the result of the Jokerit-HIFK derby?
Jokerit won 3-2 in overtime.
What did Juuso Hahl say about the alleged bench incident?
Hahl said he had not noticed or heard it and said questions should be directed to Eetu Liukas, who made the allegation.
How was Riku Tuomola after Ilari Melart’s hit?
Tuomola missed some shifts for the rest of the match. Hahl said he had taken several knocks but appeared to be all right.