The league’s reigning champion KalPa secured a crucial victory against HIFK on Tuesday night, leveling the series at 2–2.

Kuopio’s head coach Sami Tervonen was pleased with the away team’s performance in an interview with SuomiKiekko after the game.

– In my opinion, we played the best game of the series so far.

– Even though we were, so to speak, with a knife to our throat, the guys handled the situation well, Tervonen added.

Helsinki IFK managed to win their first home playoff game of the spring on Monday, but KalPa clearly improved their performance for Tuesday’s matchup.

– We were able to respond to the things we fell short on in previous games, and through that, we earned this result.

KalPa’s Canadian goalie Talyn Boyko was once again excellent between the posts for the away team. The team’s starting goalie Stefanos Lekkas was injured towards the end of the season, but Boyko has managed to fill the big shoes convincingly.

– A big and covering goalie. He has been really valuable for us in the playoffs and has given us a chance to win every night.

On Thursday, a decisive game will be played in Kuopio, where a long and even series will come to an end. According to Tervonen, much will be determined mentally before the final challenge.

– It’s largely about what’s between the ears. We have one off day to gather energy, and then we will charge hard through the gates in front of our home crowd.

Väinö Helenius

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