Happee squeezed a win over Steelers

Happee visited Steelers in Hämeenlinna on last sunday. Steelers have been strong in the last few games, so Happee had a real challenge ahead. Happee managed to squeeze two important points even if the game itself weren’t so pretty.

The game started as expected. Steelers kept a low defense line and Happee kept trying to break it while Steelers hoped to get counter attacks. The moose got a little anxious and had trouble scoring despite some great chances. Veli-Matti Hynynen scored the only goal in the first period.

Happee came prepared in the second period and took the initiative. The moose still failed to score from their chances on even strength but Jami Manninen managed to take Happee to a two goal lead with a power play goal. The moose defended well shorthanded and managed to kill two power plays in the second period. They lost focus in the end of the period and Steelers equalized with two five-on-five goals.

The game slowed down somewhat in the beginning of the third period and both teams seemed cautious, trying to avoid counter attacks. Then Happee took charge with two quick goals. First Peter Kotilainen scored after a series of beautiful passes and a moment later, Otto Tikka scored on power play. Valtteri Niemi reduced the lead to one goal but Veli-Matti Hynynen scored his second of the evening, giving the away team some breathing room again. Steelers gave it a push in the end and managed to reduce the game to 4-5 playing with an empty net but Markus Laakso helped the moose kill the home teams spurt.

Veli-Matti Hynynen scored two goals from excellent passes from Petri Kauko (0+2). Jami Manninen had a goal and an assist. Markus Laakso saved 26/30 shots. Timo Johansson scored two goals for the home team.

Head coach Mikko Lehto thought that the game didn’t offer anything special:

- Our power play got us two points today. The game was somewhat slow but still offered some great scoring chances. We just couldn’t execute five-on-five. I’m happy with the points, Lehto finishes.

Next game is on Tuesday at home. Happee hosts SB Welhot in a game celebrating the 100 years old independent Finland.