On Tuesday, SaiPa reunited the forward line of Mikael Kuronen, Eetu Koski and Tom Leivo. They responded with 2 points each and Kuronen scored a nifty toe-drag goal. He spoke after the game.

by Silja Schemeikka

LAPPEENRANTA – Perhaps the most memorable play from the two-games between SaiPa Lappeenranta and Tappara Tampere in the CHL Round of 32 was the toe-drag goal scored by SaiPa's Mikael Kuronen after receiving a drop pass from linemate Tomi Leivo in the second period of the second game. He now has 3 goals and 2 assists in six CHL games this season.

Kuronen along with Leivo and centre Eetu Koski were SaiPa's best line in the game. Koski and Kuronen both scored once and assisted once, while Leivo assisted on two goals. 

Kuronen – a native of Tampere whose childhood club is Ilves, the crosstown rival of Tappara – was satisfied with himself as well and his team after the game. 

“Our goal was to make our way to the next round. Now we've done it and of course we are happy,” the 24-year-old said after game.

The trio has played several games together but recently many injuries have mixed up the lines. SaiPa head coach Ari Santanen is happy that the injured players are getting healthy and the coaches now have the opportunity to make the lineup as they want.

“The Leivo-Koski-Kuronen line was re-united this game and the boys played a good game. I hope we can continue this way with our players staying healthy,” Santanen said in the post-game press conference.

Mikael, your linemates in this game were Leivo and Koski. You were great together, as you were when you played together previously. 

“It is nice to play in same line with Leivo and Koski. We have good chemistry and understand how each other play the game. The game went well with this line and I hope that we can continue together.”

Not only your linemates, but you also had a great game personally. What led to your success?

“I don’t know is there's any specific reason. You just try to do the things the same way in every game, it doesn’t matter is it in the Finnish league or in the Champions Hockey League. It just feels that I've had a lot of success in the CHL. It is nice this way.”  

What about Tappara?

“Tappara was good tonight, as well as in previous games. Our scoring efficiency was excellent, which helped us a lot. It's easier to play with the lead.”

Is there anything you still need to work on?

“There are little things in every part of game. We have already fixed them a little bit and watched video on it. I think there are still some things left that need to be fixed but the coaches will tell us more about them.”

What is your overall opinion of the Champions Hockey League?

“I like these games. Before the Liiga started we had games abroad and those games have made us a team. Personally, I see the CHL as a great tournament.”

You just finished with a Finnish team in the CHL, but next you will play a team from Sweden, the Vaxjo Lakers. What do you think about going to play abroad again?

“Those are great games. It is great to go and see how the other teams in different countries play.”