On the day before Karpat Oulu's second CHL Semi-Final game against Lukko Rauma, young forward Jesse Puljujarvi answered a few questions after practice.
by Miikka Jarvenpaa
OULU – World Junior Championship MVP Jesse Puljujarvi was, as usual, one of the last players to leave the ice after Karpat Oulu's practice on Monday. The meticolous student of the game and one of hockey's best young prospects was in a good mood ahead the second leg of the Champions Hockey League Semi-Finals.
Tomorrow you’re playing the second Semi-Final game against Lukko Rauma. How are you feeling ahead of the second leg?
“Feeling good. We’ve had time to have a few practices. Lukko is a tough team to play against. We’re one goal ahead and we have the play hard right from the start and go for the win.”
Karpat cleared their way to the Semi-Finals by coming from behind in the two previous rounds, both times trailing two goals before the second leg and both times excelling to victory in front of their home crowd. This time Karpat are in a different situation. In the first leg, Lukko took the early lead with goals from Toni Koivisto and Jesse Virtanen but Karpat were able to catch up and eventually score one more in the third period to win the game 3–2. Therefore, Karpat have a one-goal advantage heading into the second leg in Oulu.
In the last couple of rounds Karpat have been trailing on aggregate before the second leg. This time you have that one goal advantage. Does it change anything?
“No, I think it doesn’t change anything. We’ll play like we’re used to and just try to win the hockey game.”
The very next night after winning their CHL Semi-Final game in Rauma, Lukko won their Liiga match against KooKoo Kouvola 5–2. Karpat have had two Liiga games – first against Tappara Tampere last Thursday and against Pelicans Lahti last Saturday. Both games went to overtime and both times Karpat were left without a win. Tappara scored the winning goal in overtime and the Pelicans succeeded in the shootout, defeating Karpat on their home ice. Puljujarvi saw some good in both of those games despite the losses. Against the Pelicans Puljujarvi was the most prominent Karpat players on the ice, scoring the game-opening goal and creating lots of chances with his powerful skating and heavy shot.
You played two tight Liiga games against Tappara and the Pelicans in between the CHL Semi-Finals. What aspects of games do you want to take with you to the second Semi-Final game tomorrow?
“In my opinion we want to take with us our tight unit of five and strong forecheck. And to try to capitalize on turnovers after that strong forecheck.”
The game, from Oulun Energia Areena, begins Tuesday night at 18:30 local time, 17:30 CET.