While Frolunda Gothenburg were celebrating, the Karpat Oulu dressing room was much quieter. Read how head coach Lauri Marjamaki and players Lasse Kukkonen, Jesse Puljujarvi, Simon Suoranta and Juho Keranen explain Tuesday's Champions Hockey League Final.

by Derek O'Brien, Miikka Jarvenpaa and Jarkko Harjumaa

OULU – They had the Final on their home ice and were well-prepared to host Frolunda Gothenburg in the Champions Hockey League Final, and yet they still came up a bit short. Following the game, Karpat Oulu players and coaches tried to explain how they seemingly got beaten at their own game – that is, losing a defensive battle against Frolunda's high-tempo attacking team. The answers that kept coming back were that Frolunda are good enough to win that way too, but things could have turned out differently if they hadn't squandered so many chances.

“I think we started fairly well, despite the negative result,” assessed Karpat coach Lauri Majamaki. “We played well. We did what we wanted. We forced a lot of turnovers in the offensive zone but couldn’t capitalize on those. Frolunda defended extremely well and with high discipline. It’s a fact that the quality of our passing and finishing wasn’t quite there tonight. The better team won tonight. Frolunda are an absolute top team in Europe and defended extremely well tonight.”

Lasse Kukkonen

“The opponent was that much better. There’s nothing more to it.”

What about the famous Frolunda pressure?

“We were able to get away from their pressure, but our offence wasn’t sharp enough. We got four power plays but couldn’t capitalize. Frolunda scored two goals from right in front of the goal. We didn’t. I think we started fairly well. In games like these the momentum changes. The team that can capitalize on their momentum wins the hockey game.” 

Jesse Puljujarvi

Great atmosphere, it was awesome to play out there and enjoy the game.”

How do you think you played as a team?

“We didn’t change our style of play that much tonight. We just had to get out of our own zone faster but that was about it. The intensity and pressure was really high tonight and the game flowed a lot from one end to another.”

What about the pressure from Frolunda, which they are known for? Was it hard to get away from that?

“No don't think it was that hard. We moved the puck fairly well.”

You’ve won the Liiga title with Karpat and the World Junior Championship. Where does the Champions Hockey League fit into that?

“I rank this pretty high. We made it to the Final and played well. It does get to me that we had a chance to win the CHL but couldn’t take it. I had a couple of bad plays. I should have been able to score tonight.”

Simon Suoranta 

“Of course the loss feels bad. Frolunda were that much better and we have to accept that. We don’t have to explain ourselves. The score says it all.”

What did Frolunda do better? What made the difference?

“Well, they scored two goals. At the moment I don’t have any other explanation. I think we played a good hockey game. They capitalized on their chances and we couldn’t capitalize on our own opportunities. We battled at a high level tonight though, but there’s not much you can do.”

Juho Keranen

Just as their fourth and final power play was expiring, Keranen finally got Karpat on the board, as his centring pass from down low went in off a Frounda penalty killer in front of the net with 12:59 to play. They weren't able to get another one, however.

“Frolunda are a great team. They move well and possess a lot of skill. They’re a brilliant team.”

Did anything about their game surprise you?

“We prepared well for the game and knew exactly how Frolunda play. Their style of play didn’t make it harder for us. Maybe we were a bit nervous at the beginning. The last 50 minutes we played really well though. They were forced to take four penalties, so I think we played well.”

How do you move forward from this?

“It’s a bitter pill to swallow at the moment. Maybe tomorrow we can shift our thoughts to the next Liiga game on Thursday.”