Ilves Tampere will skate out in the Nokia Arena with a narrow but valuable advantage after taking a 3-2 win in Bremerhaven in the First Game of their Round of 16 match-up. The Finnish side maintained their perfect CHL record, improving to 7-0, but it was far from straightforward in northern Germany. Ilves outshot Pinguins Bremerhaven heavily, yet needed resilience and timely special-teams success to escape with the win.

The opening meeting was shaped by Ilves’ powerplay and penalty kill. Arttu Pelli’s long-range blast gave the Finns the initial breakthrough, but Bremerhaven responded quickly through Alex Friesen on a breakaway. The home side then grabbed the lead midway through the second period, with Christian Wejse finishing a well-executed rush after a blue-line move by Lenny Boos, but a major penalty against Bremerhaven shifted the momentum, however, and Ilves struck twice more. Matic Török deflecting Matias Mäntykivi’s shot on the powerplay, before Erik Borg converted early in the third to restore the lead.

Despite a strong push from Bremerhaven in the closing stages, Ilves’s penalty kill, still perfect in the CHL this season, held firm once again. Leon Hungerecker’s outstanding performance in goal kept the Pinguins competitive, turning away 45 shots, but Bremerhaven ultimately could not find a late equaliser.

The Return Game now sees Ilves in a favourable position. Their offensive depth continues to shine, with Matias Mäntykivi, Matic Török, and Lukáš Jašek all producing regularly, while both Roope Taponen’s and Dominik Pavlát’s strong forms in goal give them stability at the back. Discipline and game management will be key, as the Finns attempt to close out the series and move onto the Quarter-Finals.

Bremerhaven, meanwhile, travel to Finland knowing they must generate more sustained pressure at even strength, but that anything can change given there is just one goal between them. Jan Urbas remains their most dangerous forward, supported by Žiga Jeglič and Christian Wejse, but they will need even sharper execution and stronger than ever powerplay production to trouble a flawless Ilves penalty kill. Hungerecker’s goaltending gives them hope, and an early goal could open the door for a potential flash comeback.

With a one-goal margin separating the sides, everything remains to play for. Ilves may be unbeaten, but Bremerhaven have shown they can keep the contest tight. The stage is set in Tampere for a decisive second act.