SM-Liiga (Finland)
Ilves 2 vs. TPS 1 (OT)
Anders Lindback [5], Ilves, W, 0.92 GAA, 46/47 (.979 SV%)
Season totals: 7 GP, 2-4-1, 0 SO, 3.36 GAA, 227/251 (.904 SV%)
After two close losses in which he played very well, especially in last night's defeat to the Blues, Anders Lindback delivered a sensational performance Thursday night, his best to date in SM-Liiga play, in backstopping Ilves to a shootout win over TPS. After a scoreless first period, TPS struck first midway through the second period before Michael Keranen evened the score a couple minutes later for all the the scoring both teams would manage despite numerous offensive flurries--both teams combined for a total of 140 attempted shots on goal--at both ends throughout the match. Ville Koistenen scored the only goal of the shootout when he beat TPS netminder Atte Engren, who was also superb for the visiting squad, with a backhander. Locked-out NHLers Maxime Talbot (Ilves) and Kris Russell (TPS) registered secondary assists. After two games in two nights, Ilves (4-14-3-3, 21 points) is off until next Tuesday when they will face Lukko (9-12-1-3, 32 points).
Official Recap [6] | Box Score [7]
Hat tip to Clare Austin [8] of Raw Charge [9] for sharing this clip of Engren getting steamrolled by Ilves winger Danny Dries: