Lukko Rauma and Djurgarden Stockholm played two tight games, with Lukko surviving by the slimmest of margins. Toni Koivisto, scorer of the winning goal in the second game, spoke afterward.

by Timo Simila

RAUMA – Toni Koivisto scored the game-winning goal in Lukko Rauma's 2–1 victory over Djurgarden Stockolm on Tuesday night, although the goal was not quite as dramatic as it sounds. With the game tied 1–1 and Lukko ahead 3–2 on aggregate late in the second leg of their home-and-away series, Djurgarden pulled their goalie for a 6-on-4 numerical advantage, looking for the equalizer. Instead, Koivisto scored a short-handed empty-net goal to put it away. They will now face fellow Finnish club TPS Turku in the quarter-finals.

Lukko have advanced to the quarter-finals. How does it feel to be among the final eight European teams?

“It feels great overall. We played a rather good game tonight and it feels good to advance to the next round.”

Your opponent this round wasn’t the easiest one with the score being tight in both games. Is it fair to say that Djurgarden gave you tough time?

“They were a pretty good opponent and fairly young with lots of talent and good puck-handling skills. They weren’t easy by any means. Luckily tonight we were able to create multiple scoring chances. We played well against Djurgarden both games, though.”

Only eight teams are left after this round and games are getting harder. There’s a few Liiga games coming up now but how will Lukko start to prepare for the next CHL playoff round?

“Right now the main focus is on national league games and we’ll focus on the CHL games at the beginning of December. The next round isn’t that far away, but right now we’ll give 100 percent to our Liiga games and come back to the CHL when the time comes.”  

Watch the highlights of the Lukko–Djurgarden game below.