The Regular Season set the stage for a fascinating Round of 16 match-up as Storhamar Hamar take on Lukko Rauma in the first Playoffs round. The two sides arrive from contrasting campaigns - Lukko building momentum through a strong Finnish-style structure, while Storhamar fought through an up-and-down journey that ultimately proved enough to advance.
- Storhamar finished the Regular Season with back-to-back wins and a 3–3 record overall
- Lukko´s Antti Raanta boasts a 95% save percentage in net
- Team of the Regular Season pick Eric Gélinas leads Lukko with eight points from the blue line
Storhamar closed their six-game Regular Season with a 3–3 record, showing flashes of quality against some of Europe’s toughest teams. After a slow start that included defeats to Eisbären Berlin and KalPa Kuopio, the Norwegian side rebounded impressively with wins over Sparta Prague, Brynäs IF and, most recently, Pinguins Bremerhaven.
That run of resilience has given them confidence heading into the knockout phase, especially with home advantage at the CC Amfi, where the passionate home support often inspires the team to push harder in key moments.
Offensively, Andreas Martinsen and Olle Liss have been steady playmakers, each collecting four assists during the Regular Season. On the blue line, Sander Dilling Hurrød and Amil Krupic bring mobility and an attacking spark, while Team of the Regular Season goaltender Markus Røhnebaek Stensrud has been a difference-maker in goal, boasting a 93.8% save percentage and keeping Storhamar in key games throughout the Regular Season.
Lukko Rauma have been one of the most consistent Finnish teams in the competition, though perfect 6-0 records from this season's other Liiga participants make Lukko's strong 4-2 start look less than it actually is. Their disciplined two-way game has delivered both balance and bite, with 21 goals scored and just 14 conceded.
Eric Gélinas has been a standout from the back end, leading the team with eight points, while Alex Beaucage (5 points) and Antoine Morand have spearheaded a forward group known for its relentless puck pressure. Between the pipes, Antti Raanta has provided veteran calm, boasting a 95% save rate and a 1.00 GAA.
With both teams leaning on strong goaltending and structured defence, this is going to be a tactical battle, as Lukko’s efficiency meets Storhamar’s intensity, first in Norway before heading to Finland for the Return Game.