Liiga - Lukko stays alive

Lukko Rauma – Tappara Tampere 4-2 (Playoff 3-3)

After Kärpät Oulu found its way to the finals on Wednesday through Mika Pyörälä’s game-winner in OT, all eyes were on Tappara as it was expected that they finish the series today. Only Lukko didn’t read the memo. 4:27 minutes into the game Erik Riska got the lead for Rauma and 5 minutes later Aaron Gagnon scored on the power-play to give Lukko a 2 goal margin. But all of a sudden history repeated itself. Not even 4 minutes after this goal Markus Kankaanperä scored the first goal for Tappara as he did in game 4 that Tampere won after trailing 0-2 in Rauma. And 1:22 minute into the second period Jukka Voutilainen tied the game at 2-2 as he did in Game 4. Should we see the same story line again? No, this time Harri Tikkanen could come back for Lukko and regain the lead. And with only 5 minutes left Petteri Nummelin set up his third goal of the day to see Ville Vahalahti score the 4-2 that now ties the series at 3-3 and forces Game 7 on Sunday back in Tampere. But the momentum is on Lukko’s side now.

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