Mäntykivi confident: "Let's put our best on the table today"
With the semifinal series tied, Ilves and Tappara meet in a deciding Game 5 in Tampere on Saturday; coach Pelli and forward Mäntykivi urged the team to deliver their best, and a potential Game 6 is set for April 27 at Nokia Arena.
Ilves says that with the semifinal series tied, it and Tappara head into a decisive Game 5 in Tampere on Saturday. Tappara capitalised on Ilves' penalties to reduce the deficit to 1–2 and later levelled the series, leaving the matchup finely poised. Ilves coach Pelli warned the team must be ready to produce "the best game of the series today." Forward Mäntykivi echoed that confidence: "Let's put our best on the table today." Veteran Palola described the run as "incredible experiences for Tampere fans." Supporters were also reminded that a potential Game 6 is scheduled for Monday, April 27 at Nokia Arena and are being urged to secure tickets for the decisive stretch.
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