Story Summary
Kari Jalonen’s Tappara earned a 3-2 away win over Pelicans in Lahti. Tappara were organised and precise as a five-man unit, using delayed breakouts and controlled offensive-zone play, capitalising on special teams and protecting their lead late with Christian Heljanko providing the final line of resistance. Dylan Fabre, Joachim Blichfeld and Henrik Haapala scored for Tappara, who had opened their season with a 4-2 defeat to SaiPa.
Key Facts
- Tappara beat Pelicans 3-2 in Lahti.
- Kari Jalonen coaches Tappara.
- Dylan Fabre, Joachim Blichfeld and Henrik Haapala scored for Tappara.
- Haapala set up Blichfeld with a cross-ice pass on Tappara’s first power play, then scored the game-winning third goal on the power play in the final period.
- Fabre scored Tappara’s 0-2 goal following a delayed breakout.
- Tappara used eight delayed breakouts in the first period and created two scoring chances from them.
- Tappara used low 1-2-2 and 3-2 traps, plus an active 2-1-2 forecheck, to close the middle and make Pelicans’ breakouts difficult.
- Excluding Aapeli Räsänen’s late minor while Pelicans had their goaltender pulled, Tappara were shorthanded three times.
- Räsänen took a late minor as Pelicans searched for an equaliser with their goaltender off.
- Pelicans created no quality scoring chances while Tappara were shorthanded.
- Heljanko made the key saves as Tappara protected their lead.
- Tappara had lost their season opener to SaiPa, 4-2, before the trip to Lahti.
IHM Discussion
Tappara’s performance in Lahti was built above all on a polished collective structure. Jalonen’s side did not rely on isolated individual plays: they recognised and used delayed breakouts, involved their defencemen from the flanks and controlled long stretches in the offensive zone through extended end-zone play and work along the boards. Their special teams were equally effective. The opening power-play goal combined a precise pass with a high-quality shooting lane, while the final-period power-play goal proved to be the winner. Heljanko supplied the final layer when Pelicans pressed for an equaliser at even strength and with the goaltender pulled.
Why It Matters
The performance showed why Tappara have been considered title contenders this season. They controlled the rhythm of the game, moved quickly into attack and found an advantage through their special teams. Their defensive structure and goaltending also gave them the ability to protect a lead late, an important quality over a Liiga season and into the playoffs.
Mini Q&A
What was the final score?
Tappara beat Pelicans 3-2 in Lahti.
Who scored for Tappara?
Dylan Fabre, Joachim Blichfeld and Henrik Haapala scored for Tappara.
What stood out in Tappara’s game?
Tappara’s special teams stood out, with two power-play goals produced by organised puck movement and strong shooting opportunities.
How did Tappara defend late in the game?
Tappara closed the middle in their low defensive structure, while Heljanko made important saves as Pelicans chased an equaliser with their goaltender pulled.
Had Tappara lost their season opener?
Yes. Tappara lost their season opener to SaiPa, 4-2, before this away game in Lahti.
Coach Mark Comment
Tappara’s delayed breakouts were particularly effective because they forced Pelicans to defend after settling into neutral-zone positions. Combining that patience with a compact middle and an aggressive forecheck gave Tappara control of where the game was played. The late test was different: once Pelicans generated chances, Heljanko provided the saves needed to see out the lead.
IHM Final View
Tappara’s 3-2 win over Pelicans showed why they have been viewed as title contenders: collective five-man play, dangerous special teams and reliable goaltending came together in a strong away performance. If they can reproduce that organisation and power-play execution, they will be difficult to beat in Liiga.