Kärpät’s J-line sinks Tappara

The first period had a lot to offer to 6614 fans in Oulun Energian Areena. The home team took the lead after 6 minutes with a shot from the right boards by Joonas Kemppainen finding the little hole, that Juha Metsola left open. Two minutes later Oulu had the chance to play a 5-on-3 powerplay for almost 2 full minute and started banging shots at Metsola, but none of them wanted to go in. They had to wait for another powerplay shortly after that to celebrate again. This time Joonas Donskoi found the way into the net.

But Tappara fought back. Jarkko Malinen saw Olli Palola all open in the slot and Tappara’s topscorer did not leave Tomi Karhunen any chance. A minute later Josh Green picked up a rebound on the powerplay, played the pass through his legs to Palola and he scored the equalizer in an almost open net.

After an eventful first period the game became a bit calmer and only woke up again with 5 minutes to go. Kemppainen stopped a high pass out of the air with his hand to feed the third member of the J-line Julius Junttila with a sharp pass to the goal and Junttila just needed to put in his stick in order to score the game winner.

Oulu will now have to defend the series lead in Tampere on Monday evening.

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