Blues and Pelicans win to stay in the SM-Liiga playoffs

31 Mar 2012 | Mika Leino

In the 4th semi final game Blues beat KalPa 5-2 and Pelicans beat Kärpät 4-2.

KalPa-Blues 2-5 (series 3-2)

KalPa wasn't able to end the series yet against Blues in fifth game at home arena. Game was tied after two periods but in the third period with help of KalPa's goalie Blues scored 1-2. Goal was scored when Ville Varakas of Blues sent an easy puck from neutral zone towards KalPa goal. KalPa's goalie Mikko Koskinen gave an easy rebound and Roope Talaja scored 1-2. Four minutes later Blues scored two more goals only 31 seconds apart from each other and game was over.

KalPa scored one more goal but could never really challenge Blues and after Toni Kähkönen's empty net goal Blues will continue their fighting at home on Sunday.

Pelicans-Kärpät 4-2 (series 2-3)

Pelicans Lahti wasn't ready yet for summer holiday as they beat Kärpät in fifth game of the series. Game started very even but then Kärpät took three penalties in very short time in the first period. Pelicans scored only one power play goal but apparently short handed play took too much energy out of Kärpät's play. With veteran Jat Latvala's hat trick Pelicans kept the distance to Kärpät.

At the end of third period Kärpät game close when Salomäki scored 3-2 but shortly after that Salomäki was penalized with a major penalty and a game misconduct in a situation that looked just an accidental collision with Pelicans top forward Justin Hodgman. Apparently after last game in Lahti when Pelicans' coach Kai Suikkanen attacked heavily against referees (and Pelicans was fined with 2500 EUR) the pressure on referees was too big and they sent Salomäki out.

Series continues already on Saturday in Oulu where Kärpät will their second match ball.