Tappara vs TPS on 24 January
On January 24th, two of Finland’s premier hockey clubs, Tappara and TPS, will face off in what promises to be a thrilling encounter in the Liiga tournament. The match will take place at Tappara's home arena, Tampereen Jäähalli, with puck drop scheduled for 18:30. For both teams, this game holds significant weight as they battle for playoff positioning. Tappara, having held a strong position all season, looks to secure its place in the top tier, while TPS is fighting to avoid being drawn into a relegation battle. The outcome of this game could prove pivotal in determining which direction both teams head in the coming weeks.
Tappara: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Tappara enters this game in stellar form, having won four of their last five contests. Their tactical approach under head coach Jussi Tapola is defined by a fast, aggressive forecheck paired with solid defensive zone coverage. Tappara’s defense-first mentality, combined with their high-pressure forechecking game, creates turnovers in dangerous areas of the ice, allowing them to capitalize on counterattacks. They have posted an impressive 35.4 shots on goal per game, ranking in the top five in the league, a clear indicator of their relentless offensive style.
In terms of power play efficiency, Tappara has been exceptional, converting 23.5% of their opportunities. This is thanks to their strong puck movement and a lethal shooting unit, particularly from the blue line, where they are able to consistently generate scoring chances. Defensively, they boast a solid penalty kill, stopping 83% of opponent power plays, a key stat in ensuring they maintain momentum throughout games.
Key players for Tappara include forward Niko Ojamäki, who has been in excellent form, notching 12 points in the last 10 games. His speed and puck-handling ability make him a constant threat on the ice. In goal, Tappara relies on the steady presence of Emil Larmi, whose .916 save percentage ranks among the top in Liiga. Larmi’s ability to stand tall in high-pressure moments will be crucial in this tightly contested matchup.
However, Tappara will be without one of their top defensemen, Veli-Matti Savinainen, due to a lower-body injury. This could impact their overall defensive cohesion, though they have enough depth to adapt. The team’s depth, though, remains a strong suit, and they have the talent to continue their high-performance levels despite this absence.
TPS: Tactical Approach and Current Form
TPS is currently in a period of turmoil, having only secured two wins in their last five games. The team has struggled to find consistency in their play, especially in the defensive zone, where lapses have allowed opponents to exploit their weaknesses. TPS has an overall shots on goal per game of 29.8, a solid but somewhat inconsistent number given their current form. They will need to improve their offensive zone possession and create more high-quality scoring chances if they are to stand a chance against a team like Tappara.
TPS’s tactical system tends to focus on a quick transition game, often trying to catch the opponent out of position with fast breaks. This is facilitated by their mobile blue line, with players like Robin Press contributing significantly to their offensive transitions. However, TPS’s power play efficiency has been a concern, operating at a subpar 16.2%. They will need to improve in this area, especially against a Tappara team that has one of the best penalty kills in the league.
The key figure for TPS has been their captain, Joonas Donskoi, who remains the heart and soul of the team. He is the engine that drives their offense, and his ability to generate offense off the rush will be a major factor in this game. Between the pipes, TPS is reliant on 22-year-old Juho Markkanen, who has been a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season, posting a respectable .914 save percentage. However, Markkanen's inconsistency could be a potential vulnerability for TPS if Tappara’s forwards apply constant pressure.
In terms of injuries, TPS is also missing a key forward, Samuli Vainionpää, who has been sidelined for the past few games. His absence removes a layer of grit and leadership that will be sorely missed in a high-intensity game like this. With their top scorer out, TPS will need to look to secondary players to step up and deliver when it matters most.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
In the last five meetings between these two teams, Tappara has been the dominant force, securing four victories to TPS’s one. However, the games have often been closer than the scorelines suggest, with several contests being decided in overtime or by a single goal. TPS will take heart from the fact that they managed to defeat Tappara 4-3 in their last encounter, a win that showed they can compete with the best on their day.
Psychologically, Tappara enters this game as the favorites, not just due to their superior form but also because of their ability to execute their game plan under pressure. TPS, however, will feel the weight of needing points, particularly with their mid-table position being under threat. The mental resilience of both teams will be tested in this high-stakes clash.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
One of the most critical battles in this game will take place in the neutral zone, where both teams will look to assert dominance. Tappara’s forecheck will be a significant factor in disrupting TPS’s breakouts, forcing them into turnovers and creating odd-man rushes. On the other hand, TPS must find a way to break through Tappara’s suffocating defense and create offense off the rush. If they can find a way to control the neutral zone and gain entry into the offensive zone with possession, they will have a chance to test Tappara’s goalie, Larmi.
Another key battle will be in the faceoff circles. Tappara’s strong performance on the draw, with a faceoff win percentage of 52.4%, will give them an edge in puck possession and zone entries. For TPS, it is crucial that they win key draws, particularly in the defensive zone, to limit Tappara’s time and space in their territory.
Match Scenario and Prediction
The most likely scenario for this game is one in which Tappara controls the tempo early, using their aggressive forecheck and offensive depth to put TPS under constant pressure. TPS will look to respond with counterattacks and attempt to exploit Tappara’s defensive gaps, but they may struggle to break through the relentless pressure. A key to the game will be whether TPS can convert on the power play, as this could be one of their few opportunities to generate offense against Tappara’s stingy defense.
Given Tappara’s superior form and depth, I predict a 4-2 victory for the home side. The critical metric here will be shots on goal—Tappara should outshoot TPS by a considerable margin, possibly reaching 35+ shots. I also anticipate that power play efficiency will be a deciding factor, with Tappara’s penalty kill likely to stand strong in the face of TPS’s struggles on the man advantage.
Final Thoughts
The upcoming matchup between Tappara and TPS is shaping up to be a high-stakes encounter with significant playoff implications for both teams. Tappara enters as the favorites, but TPS has the potential to spring an upset if they can harness their speed and counterattack effectively. The outcome of this game will hinge on how well each team executes their respective systems, with Tappara’s physical, forechecking style and potent power play likely proving too much for TPS to handle.
Can Tappara continue their dominance, or will TPS rise to the occasion and deliver a statement win? The answer will be revealed on the ice.
