Tappara defenceman Nick Plastino scored both of his team's goals in Thursday's home-ice overtime loss to Djurgarden. The point is enough to see his team through to the next round.

by Lassi Seppa

TAMPERE – In the first meeting between the teams in Stockholm, Tappara beat Djurgarden, but lost 3–2 in overtime when the teams met for the second time in Tampere. One of the Tappara’s best players on the ice was Italian-Canadian defenceman Nick Plastino, who scored both of Tappara’s goals in the game. He therefore had a reason to be happy after the game.

“We we’re a little nervous at the start and the first period was a little flat. In the second period we were able to pick up our game. Our guys took great blocks and game got more physical, so we got better into it.” 

But the game had a bitter ending for the home team and Plastino himself, as he was watching from the penalty box when Djurgarden scored the overtime-winning goal.

“My stupid penalty in the end cost us the game,” bemoaned Plastino, who was called for holding in the last minute of the third period, which carried over into overtime.

Though he is new to Tappara and Finland, this is not his first experience in the CHL. Last season he actually played two games against Tappara as a member of the Stavanger Oilers. Overall, he had 5 points (2 + 3) in 6 CHL games and 49 points (21 + 28) in 57 Norwegian league regular-season and playoff games, which shows he can produce offence from the back end. When asked about his role in the team, Plastino had a clear vision.

“I was brought up here to be an offensive player, but I don't see myself strictly as such. I try to keep playing both ways well.”

Plastino's showed his offensive abilities and strong skating on his first goal, which came as the result of a wrap-around. His second was a big slapper from the point on the power play. He knows he has an important role to play on Tappara’s power play. 

“I'm just trying to get my shots through – I think it’s a big think in this league.”

It seems like Tappara has a smart guy to be the quarterback of their power play, as it really is a great asset for player at the blue line to get the first shot through to the net. 

With one point from the overtime loss, Tappara have ensured their spot in the next round of the CHL, and that of course was a clear goal for the team.

“Definitely. The main goal was qualifying to the next round, so now we can focus on getting our game better together. We really want to play well in front of the home crowd.” 

Plastino isn't discouraged by the loss. After all, the team has now taken points from all three CHL games so far after winning their first two. 

“We have shown that we are an elite team in the competition, even though I don’t want to jinx anything,” he laughed.

Tappara have one more game to play in the group stage, and that's when Swiss club EV Zug visit on 6 September. Although they have already secured a place among the CHL's final 32 teams, Tappara also want to win the group.

“We’re still getting our game better from here,” Plastino promised as he returned to the locker room.