Tappara hold on for crucial 2–0 win as Meskanen fumes over no-call

According to Aamulehti, Tappara beat KooKoo 2–0 at Nokia Arena on Wednesday to take a vital Game 3 win in the Liiga final series.

The decisive opener came late in the first period when Oiva Keskinen accidentally redirected a shot into the net; Jyrki Jokipakka wrapped up the win into an empty goal. Tappara defended stoutly — KooKoo had no power plays while Tappara enjoyed three — and KooKoo struggled to create high-quality chances.

KooKoo’s leading scorer Ville Meskanen was left frustrated after a second-period hit from behind by Tappara forward Benjamin Rautiainen. The hit left him on the ice but drew no penalty. "That was bitter — a poor start from us," Meskanen said. He declined to further criticise the officials, saying, "Referees call it how they call it; I can't influence them."

Meskanen, who has five goals and five assists in 11 playoff games, acknowledged fatigue and treatment during the run but said the team will "give everything we have" before reassessing.

The series now moves back to Kouvola for Game 4 on Friday. Nokia Arena drew about 9,200 spectators — roughly 3,500 seats empty — a sparse atmosphere Meskanen said favors a full Kouvola rink.