With the culmination of the 2022/23 Champions Hockey League season just under three weeks away, it’s time to remind ourselves just how well our finalists, Luleå Hockey and Tappara Tampere, have played up to this point and compare their stats head-to-head!
Finding the back of the net has not been an issue for either squad as Luleå and Tappara are #1 and #2 when it comes to goals scored, having managed to secure over 30 goals this season. The Swedes hold a slight advantage in their total tallies, however, with 41 to Tappara’s 35. Luleå also hold the edge in powerplay goals scored with nine to the Finns’ six.
The Swedes hold the better goals per game average with 3.42 but the Finns aren't far behind with an average of 2.92. Tappara also trail Luleå in the faceoff dot, winning 53.34% compared to the Swedes’ 54.26%, but have also taken 47 fewer draws their than opponents. Defensively, however, the Finnish side has excelled this season, only allowing 17 goals against, for an average of 1.42. Luleå have allowed 21 goals against for an average of 1.75 per game, good enough for fourth in the competition.
When it comes to special teams, both clubs’ powerplays have struggled with Tappara converting on six of 29 attempts for a 20.69 PP%. On comparison, Luleå have netted nine on 46 tries for a PP% of 19.57%. On the penalty kill, however, each challenger has posted respectable numbers, only allowing four goals. The Swedish side successfully killed off 36 of 40 (90%) powerplays while Tappara have killed off 34 of 38 (89.47%) attempts.
In terms of games, scores, and points, Luleå boast a better point total – 31 compared to Tappara’s 28 – in 12 games played and, consequently, hold the edge in points percentage, 86.11%, to the Finns’ 77.78%. The Swedes' record stands at 10-2-0, while the Finns have nine wins and only one loss in regulation, but have also lost twice in overtime.
Goaltending is where these two teams truly stand apart, though, with Tappara able to manufacture four shutouts while Luleå, despite some great goaltending, have yet to secure a shutout this season.
From a statistical standpoint, it's clear these two teams are in the 2022/23 Final for a reason. They have been deadly in the CHL this season and are inseparable when it comes to the numbers, featuring near-identical goals per game, goals against and goals scored records.
The Finnish have cemented themselves as the top team in net but they’ll need to execute in the offensive zone; Luleå know how to play a tight, structured game but will need their offence to get going against a team that allowed just three goals in their last three games played.
Tappara Tampere and Luleå Hockey will face each other in the ultimate one-game CHL Final in Luleå, Sweden on 18 February 2023 at 16:20 CET.