Tag: KalPa

Nättinen sees Hartikainen nearing end at KalPa

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Teemu Hartikainen’s difficult start to the Liiga season has prompted a blunt assessment from former Liiga player Topi Nättinen, who believes the KalPa forward may be approaching the end of his career.

Hartikainen, 36, has been moved to KalPa’s third line and has recorded one goal and three assists in 11 Liiga appearances. In KalPa’s 1-6 defeat to HIFK on Saturday, his ice time was below 14 minutes.

Nättinen said the reduced usage was deserved on current form and argued that Hartikainen’s decline had been evident for some time. He also questioned whether the forward would receive a new contract after this season, while stressing that he could not see him playing for another club than KalPa.

Key Facts

  • Teemu Hartikainen, 36, has one goal and three assists in 11 Liiga games for KalPa this season.
  • Hartikainen played fewer than 14 minutes as KalPa lost 1-6 to HIFK on Saturday.
  • He has been used on KalPa’s third line after his responsibility was reduced.
  • Including the play-offs, Hartikainen has recorded 4+7=11 in 38 league games during 2026.
  • Hartikainen is a KalPa co-owner and his contract expires after this season.
  • Topi Nättinen said Hartikainen’s movement appeared to have deteriorated further this autumn, although he still regarded him as a capable passer.
  • KalPa have 13 points from 11 games and are close to the relegation line, according to the supplied standings context.

IHM Discussion

This is an assessment of a player’s current form rather than a confirmed retirement decision. Nättinen’s view rests on a clear set of on-ice indicators: Hartikainen’s lower-line role, reduced ice time and limited production over both the opening 11 games and the wider 2026 sample.

Hartikainen’s past strengths, according to Nättinen, have included protecting the puck and creating for team-mates. Nättinen believes those qualities are now harder for the forward to bring into games at their previous level because of the demands of the league.

The contract situation gives the discussion added significance. Hartikainen is due to be out of contract at the end of the season, but there has been no announcement that he will retire or that KalPa have made a decision on his future.

Why It Matters

KalPa’s early-season position makes the form of experienced attacking players a major issue. Nättinen said the team’s play had been ineffective and argued that Hartikainen is no longer in a position to lift the side on his own.

That is an opinion, not an established verdict on KalPa’s season. However, Hartikainen’s one goal in 11 games and his reduced role provide the factual backdrop to the scrutiny. For the player, the remaining term of his contract now carries obvious importance without determining what decision will follow.

Mini Q&A

What are Teemu Hartikainen’s Liiga statistics this season?

He has one goal and three assists in 11 Liiga games for KalPa.

Has Teemu Hartikainen announced his retirement?

No. Nättinen believes Hartikainen may be nearing the end of his career, but no retirement decision has been confirmed.

When does Hartikainen’s KalPa contract end?

His contract expires after this season.

Coach Mark Comment

A move to the third line and fewer than 14 minutes against HIFK make the immediate message straightforward: Hartikainen’s current output is not securing a larger role. The practical coaching question is whether his passing and puck-protection can still create reliable value within the minutes he is receiving.

What Comes Next

The next formal checkpoint is the expiry of Hartikainen’s KalPa contract after this season. No retirement decision or contract extension has been confirmed.

IHM Final View

Nättinen’s comments are a sharp appraisal of Hartikainen’s present level, not confirmation that his career is over. Yet with production down, ice time reduced and his contract nearing its end, Hartikainen’s situation at KalPa will remain a prominent Liiga storyline.

HIFK forced into late goaltending change for KalPa

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

HIFK have made a last-minute change in goal before their evening Liiga game against KalPa in Helsinki, with Hugo Alnefelt dropping out of the line-up.

Eighteen-year-old Vili Varonen takes over the starting role for only the second Liiga appearance of his career. He has not yet played in the Liiga this season.

HIFK have also brought in Kiekko-Vantaa goaltender Severi Auvinen as the back-up. The club were already without their other Swedish goaltender, Tim Juel.

Key Facts

  • Hugo Alnefelt was initially named in HIFK’s playing line-up before being withdrawn ahead of the KalPa game.
  • Vili Varonen, 18, will make only his second Liiga appearance and his first of the season.
  • Varonen has recorded a 91.4% save percentage in the junior SM-liiga this autumn.
  • Kiekko-Vantaa’s Severi Auvinen has been called in to serve as HIFK’s back-up goaltender.
  • Alnefelt had recently helped HIFK, including in Thursday’s derby defeat to Jokerit, which ended 3-2 after overtime.
  • HIFK were already without Swedish goaltender Tim Juel.

IHM Discussion

The alteration leaves HIFK relying on a young goaltender with very limited Liiga experience at short notice. Varonen’s junior save percentage offers a positive recent indicator, but the KalPa match presents a substantial step up in responsibility.

The late change also affects the depth behind him. With Auvinen arriving from Kiekko-Vantaa and Juel already unavailable, HIFK’s usual goaltending options are notably reduced for the evening fixture.

Why It Matters

Goaltending was a recent strength for HIFK through Alnefelt’s performances, making his absence particularly significant before a scheduled league game. The immediate consequence is a first Liiga outing of the campaign for Varonen, with Auvinen providing emergency cover on the bench.

HIFK reshuffles top two lines before KalPa game

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Olli Jokinen has made significant changes to HIFK’s forward lines for the Saturday meeting with KalPa after the Helsinki side’s 3-2 overtime loss to Jokerit.

Daniel Mäkiaho, Iiro Pakarinen and Niko Huuhtanen will form HIFK’s new first line. Eetu Liukas, Jake Leschyshyn and Vincent Marleau make up the reshaped second unit.

There is also a new name in the HIFK line-up, with Lauri Sinivuori coming in as the centre on the fourth line. The changes arrive during a difficult start to the Liiga season for HIFK, who sit third from bottom with 10 points from 10 games.

KalPa will again be without star forward Jaakko Rissanen, while retaining the same group that played on Friday. Aleksi Klemetti, Elias Vilen and Juuso Mäenpää are set to skate on KalPa’s first line, with Stefanos Lekkas continuing in goal.

Key Facts

  • Olli Jokinen has altered HIFK’s first and second forward lines for the KalPa fixture.
  • Daniel Mäkiaho, Iiro Pakarinen and Niko Huuhtanen comprise HIFK’s new first line.
  • Eetu Liukas, Jake Leschyshyn and Vincent Marleau have been placed together on the revised second line.
  • Lauri Sinivuori enters the HIFK line-up as fourth-line centre.
  • HIFK have collected 10 points in 10 Liiga matches and are third from bottom after losing 3-2 in overtime to Jokerit.
  • KalPa will play without Jaakko Rissanen for a second consecutive game.
  • KalPa’s first line features Aleksi Klemetti, Elias Vilen and Juuso Mäenpää, with Stefanos Lekkas in net.

IHM Discussion

The scale of the change is notable because it affects both of HIFK’s leading forward units rather than simply making an adjustment lower in the line-up. Mäkiaho, Pakarinen and Huuhtanen are being given the assignment, while Liukas, Leschyshyn and Marleau move into a newly configured second unit.

Sinivuori’s arrival at centre on the fourth line adds another change to the forward group. Jokinen’s selections come with HIFK under pressure after a poor opening 10-game return, while the club’s leadership has publicly maintained its backing for the head coach despite supporters calling for his dismissal.

Why It Matters

HIFK need an improved response after their overtime defeat by Jokerit and a start that has left them near the bottom of the Liiga table. The revised combinations give the KalPa game immediate importance as a test of how the new forward units function.

For KalPa, Rissanen’s continued absence is a clear constraint, although the side will keep the same personnel used on Friday and retain Lekkas in goal.

KooKoo collapse again as KalPa score four in first period

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

KooKoo suffered another early collapse as KalPa scored four times in the first period in Kouvola, forcing a goaltending change. Eetu Randelin was replaced by Jasper Patrikainen after KalPa’s barrage left the score 4-1 inside 12 minutes. KalPa won the game 5-4. The goalscorers for KalPa in the flurry were Teemu Hartikainen (opening power-play goal), Aleksi Klemetti, Joona Saarelainen and Juuso Könönen; Ville Meskanen scored for KooKoo. Klemetti’s strike was his 100th Liiga goal. KooKoo began the season with four straight losses and one overtime point.

Key Facts

  • KooKoo conceded four goals in the first period to KalPa and replaced starting goaltender Eetu Randelin with Jasper Patrikainen.
  • Eetu Randelin’s recorded save percentage in the game was 63.64; he made seven saves before being pulled.
  • KalPa’s Teemu Hartikainen opened the scoring with a power-play goal; Ville Meskanen equalised for KooKoo within a minute.
  • KalPa scored three times in quick succession at 10:02, 11:34 and 11:47 (Aleksi Klemetti, Joona Saarelainen and Juuso Könönen respectively).
  • Aleksi Klemetti’s goal was his 100th in Liiga.
  • Joona Saarelainen and Teemu Hartikainen each recorded their first goal of the season.
  • The match finished KalPa 5-4 KooKoo.
  • KooKoo had started the season with four straight defeats and one overtime point prior to this game.

IHM Discussion

The match underlined how fragile KooKoo’s situation has become. After a brief, even opening, KalPa struck first on the power play through Teemu Hartikainen. Ville Meskanen’s quick reply offered a momentary lifeline, but KooKoo’s defensive play faltered thereafter. Three goals in 1 minute 45 seconds, at 10:02, 11:34 and 11:47, swung the game emphatically in KalPa’s favour and prompted coach Jouko Myrrä to replace Eetu Randelin with Jasper Patrikainen. Reportedly, defensive lapses is the main reason for the collapse rather than the goaltender alone. Aleksi Klemetti’s 100th Liiga goal and first goals of the season for Hartikainen and Joona Saarelainen added individual positives for KalPa, while KooKoo’s string of defeats now constitutes a difficult early-season run.

Why It Matters

This result compounds KooKoo’s poor start and leaves them anchored at the foot of the Liiga table. Conceding four goals inside a single period exposes defensive shortcomings that will need immediate attention if KooKoo are to halt the slide. For KalPa, the rapid flurry and Klemetti’s milestone are confidence-boosting, showing the team can capitalise on moments of defensive disorganisation from opponents.

Mini Q&A

What was the score when Eetu Randelin was replaced?

KalPa led 4-1 inside the first 12 minutes, after which KooKoo replaced starting goalie Eetu Randelin.

Who replaced Eetu Randelin in goal?

Jasper Patrikainen replaced Eetu Randelin during the first period.

Which KalPa players scored in the first-period flurry?

Teemu Hartikainen, Aleksi Klemetti, Joona Saarelainen and Juuso Könönen scored KalPa’s four first-period goals.

Did any player hit a milestone?

Yes. Aleksi Klemetti’s goal in that sequence was his 100th Liiga goal.

How had KooKoo started the season before this game?

KooKoo had begun the season with four straight defeats and one overtime point.

KalPa routs HPK 7-0 as Lyytinen nets a brace

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

KalPa produced a comprehensive 7-0 home victory over HPK in Kuopio. KalPa built a five-goal lead in the second period and added further strikes in the third. Defenceman Joonas Lyytinen scored twice and collected three points. Other goals came from Juuso Könönen, Aleksi Klemetti, Juuso Mäenpää (two) and Konsta Kapanen. HPK goaltender Jacob Crespin took a two-minute penalty for tripping and was later replaced by Kim Saarinen.

Key Facts

  • Competition: Liiga.
  • Final score: KalPa 7, HPK 0.
  • Joonas Lyytinen scored two goals and finished with three points.
  • Juuso Könönen scored to make it 2-0.
  • Aleksi Klemetti scored on the subsequent power play after Crespin’s two-minute penalty.
  • After the Klemetti goal HPK replaced Jacob Crespin with Kim Saarinen.
  • KalPa scored three goals in a 5 minute 16 second span in the second period.
  • Valtteri Piiroinen and Miska Kukkonen received 2+2-minute penalties for HPK.
  • Juuso Mäenpää scored two goals, including at the end of the second period and again in the third.
  • Konsta Kapanen added one goal in the third period.

IHM Discussion

The match was decided by KalPa’s explosive second period, when they turned a 1-0 opening into a 5-0 lead. KalPa scored three times in five minutes and 16 seconds during the middle frame, with Aleksi Klemetti converting on the power play after Jacob Crespin’s two-minute penalty for tripping. Crespin was later replaced in net by Kim Saarinen. Valtteri Piiroinen and Miska Kukkonen also received 2+2-minute penalties for HPK, while Lyytinen’s two goals and three-point night anchored KalPa’s scoring.

Why It Matters

A 7-0 scoreline is a statement result in Liiga. KalPa’s decisive second-period surge put the game beyond HPK’s reach before the home side added two more goals in the third.

Mini Q&A

What was the final score?

KalPa defeated HPK 7-0.

Who led KalPa’s scoring?

Defenceman Joonas Lyytinen scored twice and finished with three points.

Which players scored for KalPa?

Goals were scored by Joonas Lyytinen (2), Juuso Könönen, Aleksi Klemetti, Juuso Mäenpää (2) and Konsta Kapanen.

Were there notable penalties or a goalie change?

Jacob Crespin took a two-minute penalty that led to a KalPa power-play goal and was later replaced by Kim Saarinen; Valtteri Piiroinen and Miska Kukkonen received 2+2-minute penalties.

Teemu Hartikainen back at KalPa and dreaming of a hometown title

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Teemu Hartikainen returned to his boyhood club KalPa after a 15-year spell abroad and produced 39 points (18+21) in 49 regular-season Liiga games. The 36-year-old called last season heavy: KalPa combined domestic fixtures with CHL travel and suffered numerous team injuries, and the club’s playoff run ended in the quarter-finals against Ilves. Hartikainen himself endured two injuries – a broken finger in February and a subsequent setback after his return – and used the off-season to rest with his family and fish. He remains optimistic about KalPa’s prospects, embracing a veteran role as the club gives more responsibility to younger players and saying a Kuopio championship would be a dream finish to his career.

Key Facts

  • Teemu Hartikainen returned to KalPa after a 15-year spell abroad.
  • Hartikainen recorded 39 points (18 goals + 21 assists) in 49 Liiga regular-season games.
  • KalPa combined Liiga fixtures with Champions Hockey League matches during the season, and the CHL travel to countries such as Germany and Switzerland increased player load.
  • KalPa suffered numerous injuries over the season and were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Ilves.
  • Hartikainen suffered two injuries: a broken finger in February, and a further injury after his return that affected his playoff form.
  • After the season Hartikainen rested, spent time with his family and pursued fishing.
  • KalPa enters the new season partially renewed, with younger players offered larger roles and Hartikainen acting as an experienced support in the dressing room.

IHM Discussion

Hartikainen’s return to KalPa after a long career abroad is framed by personal stability off the ice and a demanding season on it. He says settling with his family in Kuopio and returning to familiar surroundings has meant a great deal. On the ice, KalPa combined its Liiga schedule with CHL travel while dealing with numerous injuries; Hartikainen highlighted mid-season trips to Germany or Switzerland as particularly draining. His own season was interrupted by a broken finger in February and another injury after his return, which he says slowed him in the spring.

KalPa are heading into the new season with a partially renewed roster and larger roles available to younger players. Hartikainen’s experience gives him an opportunity to support those players in daily work and in the dressing room, while his ambition to win a championship in Kuopio gives the season a clear personal significance.

Why It Matters

KalPa’s schedule, injuries and roster transition will test the club’s depth and recovery management. Integrating younger players into larger roles while maintaining a challenge for honours will place added value on experienced players such as Hartikainen. After producing 39 points in 49 regular-season games despite an interrupted campaign, he remains an important contributor as KalPa pursue another successful season.

Mini Q&A

When did Teemu Hartikainen return to KalPa?

Hartikainen returned to his boyhood club after 15 years abroad.

How productive was Hartikainen in the Liiga regular season?

Hartikainen scored 39 points in the Liiga regular season, with 18 goals and 21 assists across 49 games.

What injuries did he suffer last season?

Hartikainen fractured a finger in February and then suffered a further injury after returning, which affected his play in the spring.

How did KalPa’s campaign unfold?

KalPa combined Liiga and Champions Hockey League fixtures, endured numerous team injuries, and were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Ilves.

What role will Hartikainen have in the coming season?

The club is partially renewed and plans to give younger players larger roles; as a senior player Hartikainen is expected to act as an experienced support both on and off the ice.

Does Hartikainen have personal goals for his time at KalPa?

Yes. He says winning a championship in Kuopio would be a dream and that he is prepared to work hard for it, even viewing it as a fitting way to finish his career.

Coach Mark Comment

KalPa’s challenge is to balance recovery with the need to bring younger players into meaningful roles. Hartikainen’s experience can help provide stability in the dressing room and on the ice, while the club must give its younger players responsibilities they can grow into over the course of the season.

IHM Final View

Hartikainen’s return to KalPa combines a personal homecoming with valuable experience for a team introducing younger players to larger roles. His 39 points in 49 regular-season games underline his on-ice contribution, while the injuries and travel demands of last season offer a reminder of the importance of recovery. A championship in Kuopio remains the dream that drives him.

CHL Round of 16 - Full Match-Up Preview | IHM News

CHL Round of 16 – Full Match-Up Preview | IHM News

CHL Round of 16 – Full Match-Up Preview | IHM News

Six heavyweight clashes. Twelve contenders. One path to European glory.

By IHM News · November 7, 2025

CHL Round of 16 - Full Match-Up Preview | IHM News

The Champions Hockey League enters the Round of 16 with one of the most balanced and unpredictable playoff grids in recent years. Traditional powerhouses, resurgent contenders, surprise newcomers – all collide now, as Europe’s top clubs begin the two-game battles that will determine who advances toward the quarterfinals.

IHM News breaks down all six matchups with a full scouting preview, trends, form guides, key players and tactical storylines.
This is your complete, elite-level CHL playoff roadmap.

🟥 Match-Up 1: Sparta Prague vs EV Zug

First CHL meeting ever between two long-established clubs

Despite a combined 15 CHL seasons, Sparta Prague and EV Zug enter their Round of 16 clash having never before crossed paths in Europe’s top competition. That changes now – and this matchup could be one of the tightest of the entire round.

✅ Sparta: elite form, defensive discipline, world-class goaltending

Sparta enter Switzerland as one of the form teams of the tournament:

  • 5-1-0 in the Regular Season
  • Just 9 goals conceded in six games
  • Finished with a commanding 4-0 win over Grenoble

The Czech giants are built around structure and execution.
Their goaltending has been nothing short of spectacular:
Jakub Kovář – 95.8 SV%, 0.65 GAA – best numbers in the CHL.

Offensively, the trio of Řepík, Hyka, and Dzierkals has driven consistent scoring, while the power play (14.8%) and penalty kill (82%) both remain reliable, if not explosive. The only question: can they generate more on man-advantages in playoff pressure?

✅ Zug: volatility, firepower, and depth scoring

Zug’s 3-3 Regular Season run was uneven but dangerous:

  • OT wins over Luleå
  • Strong offensive displays vs Grenoble and Belfast
  • But defensive lapses vs Ingolstadt, Rauma and Kometa Brno

Despite inconsistency, Zug scored 20 goals in six games – proof of how lethal they are when transitions open up.

Key scorers:

  • Dominik Kubalík – 6 pts
  • Tomáš Tatar – 6 pts
  • Andreas Wingerli – 6 pts
  • Grégory Hofmann – 6 pts

Tim Wolf’s 90.3 SV% gives Zug stability, but they will need an A-level defensive performance to break Sparta’s rhythm.

✅ X-Factor: The Kovář brothers

For the first time in a CHL knockout series:
Jakub Kovář (Sparta) vs Jan Kovář (Zug) – brother vs brother.
Veteran vs veteran.
Backbone vs playmaker.

A storyline worthy of the Round of 16 spotlight.

🟥 Match-Up 2: Grenoble vs Frölunda

A first-ever CHL Playoffs appearance vs the CHL’s greatest dynasty

Grenoble wrote one of the feel-good stories of the Regular Season.
Frölunda – four-time CHL champions – now stand in their way.

✅ Grenoble: historic playoff run, explosive offense, chaotic defense

The French side enters the Playoffs for the first time ever, after a fearless Regular Season loaded with high-event hockey:

  • 8-5 win over Bremerhaven
  • Shootout win vs Eisbären Berlin
  • But 24 goals conceded in six games – the worst among playoff teams

Grenoble are fast, brave, and unpredictable. Beauchemin and Boivin combined for 16 points, while veterans Treille, Englund and Binner supply experience and stability.

Goaltending remains the swing factor:
Matija Pintarič - 87.6 SV%
He must elevate against Frölunda’s relentless five-man offense.

✅ Frölunda: pedigree, structure, tournament experience

The Swedes are built for this stage:

  • 5-1-0 in the Regular Season
  • 21 goals scored, 11 allowed
  • Only loss: tight 4-2 game vs Sparta

Max Friberg leads with 8 points, while Innala, Lindholm and Peterson provide layered scoring.
Defensively, Henrik Tömmernes remains the heartbeat – controlling breakouts, power plays and tempo.

Goalie Tobias Normann (92.6 SV%, 1.33 GAA) looks locked in.

✅ X-Factor: pace vs polish

Grenoble’s chaos vs Frölunda’s control.
One wants to disrupt.
One wants to suffocate.
The first 10 minutes will dictate the tone.

🟥 Match-Up 3: Bremerhaven vs Ilves

Unbeaten Regular Season winners vs the CHL’s biggest wildcard

Ilves Tampere enter the Playoffs as the first team ever to finish a CHL Regular Season with:

  • ✅ 6-0 record
  • ✅ 18 points
  • ✅ +17 goal difference (24-7)

Bremerhaven?
They scraped into the playoffs at 3-3.

And yet – they are dangerous.

✅ Bremerhaven: high-event rollercoaster, but big-game capable

Their campaign included:

  • OT win vs ZSC Lions
  • A 5-8 defensive collapse vs Grenoble
  • A shutout win vs Luleå
  • A tight loss in Hamar

Veteran leader Jan Urbas (8 points, 6 goals) is one of the CHL’s most consistent scorers.
Jeglič continues to set up the offense, while Jensen and Bruggisser anchor the blue line.

Goaltender Kristers Gudļevskis – 91% SV – will need his best performance against Ilves.

✅ Ilves: the most complete team in the field

Ilves combine defensive structure with elite transition scoring:

  • 24 goals for
  • Only 7 goals allowed
  • Top-tier goaltending tandem:
    • Roope Taponen – 97.1 SV%
    • Dominik Pavlát – 92.4 SV%

Their forward group, led by Mäntykivi and Lööke, operates with precision, and their special teams are among the best in the field.

✅ X-Factor: Can Bremerhaven survive the first period?

If Ilves score early, the series could get away quickly.
If Bremerhaven hold their ground… we have a fight.

🟥 Match-Up 4: Ingolstadt vs Red Bull Salzburg

Central European battle of momentum vs balance

This might be the most stylistically even matchup of the entire round.

✅ Ingolstadt: late surge, high-scoring form, PP threat

After starting 0-2, Ingolstadt finished with four straight wins:

  • 7-3 vs Zug
  • 8-2 vs Odense
  • 23 goals in six games

Riley Barber leads with 8 points; Sheen, Keating and Abbandonato offer depth scoring.
Defender Alex Breton added 3 goals from the back end.

Goaltending:

  • Brett Brochu (3 wins)
  • Devin Williams providing support

Their power play and face-off efficiency are among the best in the CHL.

✅ Salzburg: pedigree, structure, elite goaltending

Salzburg finished 3-3, but their underlying play is far more controlled than the record suggests.
Home wins over Berlin, Bremerhaven and Tychy highlighted their balance.

Key names:

  • Connor Corcoran (point man weapon)
  • Raffl, Nissner, Thaler up front
  • Atte Tolvanen – 92.9 SV% – steady as ever

✅ X-Factor: zone exits

Ingolstadt pressure aggressively.
If Salzburg break cleanly – they neutralize Ingolstadt’s transition game.

🟥 Match-Up 5: Storhamar vs Lukko

Norwegian resilience vs Finnish structure

Storhamar fought their way into the playoffs with late-season momentum.
Lukko arrive with a polished Liiga-style game.

✅ Storhamar: late surge, strong goaltending, home ice advantage

After a slow start, Storhamar closed with wins over:

  • Sparta
  • Brynäs
  • Bremerhaven

Veterans Martinsen and Liss drive the playmaking.
On defence, Hurrød and Krupic provide mobility and transition strength.

But the true difference-maker:
Markus Røhnebaek Stensrud – 93.8 SV%
He’s kept them alive all season.

✅ Lukko: stability, structure, elite blue line

A 4-2 Regular Season.
21 goals scored, 14 allowed.
Strong two-way identity and disciplined puck pressure.

Eric Gélinas (8 points) is the central piece.
Beaucage and Morand carry the offense.
And in net – the CHL’s silent star:
Antti Raanta – 95% SV, 1.00 GAA

✅ X-Factor: the opening 10 minutes in Hamar

Storhamar’s crowd is a weapon.
If Lukko survive the initial push, their depth takes over.

🟥 Match-Up 6: ZSC Lions Zurich vs KalPa Kuopio

Reigning champions vs the hottest team of the season

This matchup is pure drama.

✅ Zurich: tricky season, but playoff pedigree

Their Regular Season:

  • OT loss vs Bremerhaven
  • Wins vs Tychy and Odense
  • Then three straight losses (Brynäs, Sparta, Ilves)

Still – Zurich are built for playoffs.
Their system is structured, fast and experienced.

Key players:

  • Balcers + Malgin (8 combined points)
  • Mikko Lehtonen quarterbacking the blue line
  • Christian Marti anchoring the defence
  • Šimon Hrubec – 93.5 SV%, 1.83 GAA – elite under pressure

✅ KalPa: perfect Regular Season, dominant in all phases

KalPa finished 6-0, scoring 24 and conceding only 8.
Their playing style is fast, disciplined and highly structured.

Offensively:

  • Juuso Mäenpää
  • Cade Borchardt
  • Patrick Curry (relentless worker)

Defensively:

  • Ketola and Räsänen lead a mobile blue line

Goaltending tandem:

  • Patrik Kerkola
  • Stefanos Lekkas

Combined save percentage: over 95%

✅ X-Factor: transition speed vs defensive structure

Zurich can slow teams down.
KalPa can run teams over.
One of the best stylistic battles of the round.

🧠 Coach Mark Comment

Each of these ties has a unique tactical identity. Round of 16 hockey in the CHL often comes down to two elements: defensive layers in the neutral zone and the ability to generate second pucks around the crease. Ilves, Sparta and KalPa have the best structure. Zug, Frölunda and Ingolstadt have the most transition danger. Watch for the special teams efficiency – several of these games will be decided by details rather than dominance.

Devils rally late, defeat Canadiens 4-3 in OT to stay perfect at home | IHM News