Ilves Crushes KooKoo 6–0 in Nokia Arena Home Opener
Ilves beat KooKoo 6–0 in their Nokia Arena home opener, moving the team up to third in the Liiga while goaltender Mantas Armalis recorded his third shutout of the season.
According to Ilves, the win moved Ilves to third in the Liiga after they routed KooKoo 6–0 in their Nokia Arena home opener on Saturday.
Ilves got off to a strong start and built the victory on disciplined defence, scoring three times in the first 36 minutes. Goals came from Iivari Heikkinen, Toni Utunen, Timi Teuho-Markkola, Jarkko Parikka, Luke Henman and John Nyberg. Goaltender Mantas Armalis recorded his third shutout of the season, stopping all 24 shots he faced. KooKoo were forced to replace injured starter Eetu Randelin with Jesper Patrikainen in the second period.
The performance follows the season-opening shutout in Rauma and comes as the club is streaming every home game for free on ILVES+ as the club announced earlier this week.
Ilves dominated much of the game at Nokia Arena, converting a power-play opportunity and repeatedly pinning KooKoo in the defensive end. The victory lifts Ilves to 14 points after six games (five wins) and sets up a Sunday home fixture against TPS on September 27, which will include an early arena opening and a team meet & greet for fans.
Earlier coverage
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