Happee defeats SPV on overtime

Happee took the fourth win in a row in Seinäjoki against home team SPV. Happee managed to come from behind and grab the win on overtime.

Happee started the game a lot perkier than the last two matches. The moose moved the ball with good pace in the opening period and forced the home team into defense mode. As a result, Happee gained a 0-2 lead with goals from Otto Tikka and Jami Manninen.

SPV came prepared in the second period and took the initiative. Happee failed to keep the momentum and SPV was always one step further. The moose took penalties and SPV capitalized. SPV scored three powerplay goals and one on even strength. Veli-Matti Hynynen scored Happee’s only goal from an excellent pass from Petri Kauko. The second period ended with a 4-3 home lead.

Jami Manninen scored the equalizer in the beginning of the third period with a beautiful shot. After the goal the game slowed down somewhat and both teams seemed cautious, trying to avoid counter attacks. Entering the last ten minutes, Juuso Heikkinen got a controversial two minute penalty and Jari Hankkio scored the fourth powerplay goal for SPV. However, Happee did not surrender. Petri Kauko steered Otto Tikka’s shot in the net and took the game to overtime.

The overtime started with SPV ball possession. SPV moved the ball very carefully and Happee waited for a chance to counter. Finally the moose got the ball and passed it to Tikka. His accurate long distance shot ended the game and Happee won 5-6.

The hero of the evening was Otto Tikka with two goals and three assists. He would have preferred more pace in the game:

-We aimed to have good pace thru the game but we failed to meet our standards. However, we must be satisfied with the win, Tikka continues modestly.

Head coach Mikko Lehto thought that the game never really started:

-We stayed along the boards too much and we didn’t go towards the net as hard as we should have. I expected a late decider and we got it on overtime so no surprise there, concluded Lehto.

Lehto also gave credit to SPV power play:

-SPV was sharp in the second period and managed to surprise us. Their power play was unbelieveably efficient and they capitalized on every chance. We managed to come from behind and decide on overtime. Brave fight, Lehto finishes.

Match statistics in finnish

http://salibandy.fi/tulokset/#/ottelu/spv-happee/1503/2193?id=2126&name=Happee

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