The league’s superstar collapsed – Topi Nättinen to IS: “Wrapping up his career”
Teemu Hartikainen, 36, has had a disappointing season with KalPa, and his responsibility has shrunk to the third line. Former Liiga player Topi Nättinen assesses for Ilta-Sanomat that the end of his long career is already in sight.
Hartikainen has collected modest stats of 1+3 in 11 Liiga games. On Saturday, KalPa lost to HIFK 1–6, and the notable forward’s ice time was under 14 minutes.
– He doesn’t deserve any more than that at the moment. It’s only right that his ice time is starting to decrease. There has been quite a significant decline for a while now, Nättinen sighed.
The numbers are grim even over a longer period. Hartikainen has played 38 league games this year, including playoffs, with a total of 4+7=11 points.
– Hartikainen’s movement seems to have deteriorated even further this autumn. This is a tough professional league, and if you simply can’t move, it’s difficult.
Hartikainen’s trademark has been puck protection. According to Nättinen, the forward can still pass well, but his familiar strengths are no longer evident as they used to be.
Hartikainen, who is a part-owner of KalPa, has a contract that ends this season. Nättinen’s assessment of the future is harsh.
– It looks like Hartikainen is slowly wrapping up his career.
– If Hartikainen were to get an extension with these performances, I would find it very strange. It would just be a cover-up. I also don’t see him playing for any other team than KalPa.
Nättinen also sees the human side of the situation. The forward, who has lived off points throughout his career, is facing a new situation, and experience does not automatically protect against a dip in confidence.
– After such a long and tough career, the flame and passion inevitably start to fade. At some point, the player just falls off the ride.
KalPa is also struggling. The team has 13 points from 11 games and is near the relegation line. Nättinen no longer sees Hartikainen as a player who could single-handedly lift the team out of the mire.
– KalPa’s play is ineffective, and staying on the puck and buzzing around doesn’t lead to anything. When Hartikainen isn’t scoring either, there isn’t a single real goal scorer in the team, Nättinen emphasizes.
Read more
- The league’s star defender received a suspension – the disciplinary committee dismissed the explanation
- IL: Jukka Jalonen’s new job was revealed
- IS: HIFK has signed the head coach of a competitor – negotiations are already advanced!
- Urheilucast: Jori Lehterä opened the door for the league’s championship favorite – this will decide everything!
- Lehtitieto: The Liiga club loses its point machine – a new club is already known!
- The Young Lions team announced – now the final performances are given before the World Championship selections
- Jussi Tapola steps aside from the Lions – an experienced name as a replacement
- Mikko Rantanen achieves a great feat in the NHL – Olli Jokinen is left behind
- Antti Pennanen named the Lions – this is what happened to the top scorer of the League!
- Sebastian Ahon Carolina got the star player at a discount – a significant turn in the NHL!