- Roni Hirvonen scored the game-winning goal in OT
- Mladá Boleslav battled hard and had more chances throughout the game
- Helsinki drop a point but record second CHL win in a row
IFK Helsinki came from behind to win in the Czech Republic thanks to an OT rocket from 19-year-old prospect Roni Hirvonen, as they beat BK Mladá Boleslav 2-1. The Czechs put in a strong effort, taking more shots on goal and having three powerplays, but miss out on the extra point in the end.
Mladá Boleslav got off to the best possible start against Helsinki, as just under three minutes in, forward Jakub Kotala picked up a stray puck in front of the Finnish net and sniped it in to get an early lead for the Czechs.
The Extraliga side kept up the pressure for most of the first period, enjoying a two-minute man advantage midway through the frame and outshooting the Finns 17-9 before both teams hit the locker rooms.
The teams returned to the ice ready for another 20 minutes of action as Helsinki upped the pressure pushing for the equalizer. But their inaccurate passes and frantic defending kept Mladá Boleslav in the game, as Helsinki’s Canadian goaltender Michael Garteig was forced to make a number of big saves.
Mladá Boleslav had another powerplay midway through the second period due to a tripping call for Helsinki’s Micke Åsten but they failed to break down the Finnish defence once again.
With just two minutes of the period left, the home team were given their first penalty of the game as defenceman Pavel Pýcha was called for holding. On their first man advantage of the night, Helsinki’s Jere Innala found the back of the Mladá Boleslav net on the powerplay to tie the game 1-1 just before the end of the period.
Both teams upped the intensity in the third period as the puck flew back and forth forcing both goaltenders to get in on the action. A few scuffles took place right around the halfway mark but it was nothing the referees couldn’t sort out.
Mladá Boleslav hit the post eight minutes before the final buzzer and got another powerplay opportunity after a cross-checking call for Micke Åsten. They failed to score but not without testing Michael Garteig who was forced into action more than once. Minutes came and passed, and the score was still neck and neck – OT was up next.
Three-on-three action freed up the ice for a sudden death showdown but after a big save from Jan Růžička, it didn’t take long for Helsinki to come knocking again and this time they didn't leave it to chance as Roni Hirvonen launched a rocket into the Mladá Boleslav net earning the Finns the extra point on the road.