Växjö Lakers come from behind twice to beat Kiekko-Espoo 3-2 in pre-season friendly

Växjö Lakers rally twice to edge Kiekko-Espoo 3-2 in pre-season thriller

Växjö Lakers came from behind twice — and scored the winner on the powerplay in the third period — to beat Finnish Liiga side Kiekko-Espoo 3-2 in a pre-season friendly at Espoo Metro Areena on Wednesday.

Dennis Rasmussen's powerplay strike in the final frame gave the SHL side their first lead of the night, capping a comeback that showed resilience ahead of Växjö's Champions Hockey League opener against Adler Mannheim on 4 September.

How it unfolded

Kiekko-Espoo, who had won all three of their pre-season games coming into this match (Tappara 2-0, Linköping 4-3, Pelicans 4-2), started at full speed. They opened the scoring just 1:30 into the first period, catching Växjö cold.

Växjö grew into the contest. Jimi Suomi went close to an equaliser midway through the period, but the breakthrough came with under four minutes left in the frame. Morgan Anderberg set up Kalle Kratz, who drove past the Espoo netminder and tucked the puck home to make it 1-1.

The second period followed a similar pattern. Espoo reclaimed the lead early, this time on the powerplay, as the game grew increasingly physical. Växjö again responded late: Brogan Rafferty raced onto a breakaway with 3:45 left in the period and beat the goalkeeper to restore parity at 2-2 heading into the second intermission.

With the third period finely balanced and both sides creating chances, the decisive moment came via special teams. Dennis Rasmussen stepped up on the powerplay and fired home the go-ahead goal, his first of the pre-season, putting Växjö ahead for the first time. They held on through the final minutes to seal the win.

The turning point

Växjö's powerplay efficiency decided the game. After going 0-for-1 in the first 40 minutes, the Lakers made their second man advantage count when Rasmussen struck. Against a Kiekko-Espoo side that had conceded only three goals across three pre-season wins, Växjö's ability to convert when it mattered proved the difference.

Key performers

• Dennis Rasmussen (Växjö): Scored the game-winner on the powerplay in the third period. His poise with the man advantage tipped a tight contest.
• Brogan Rafferty (Växjö): His breakaway equaliser late in the second period swung momentum back to the visitors after Espoo's second surge.
• Kalle Kratz (Växjö): Opened Växjö's account with a composed finish, sparking the first comeback.
• Peter Cehlárik (Växjö): Made his debut in a Växjö jersey after joining the club, getting valuable minutes in his first game action.

By the numbers — interpreted

Pre-season friendly statistics are not published in full detail, but the pattern is clear from the game flow. Kiekko-Espoo's early pressure in both the first and second periods suggests they generated an early territorial advantage each time. Växjö's responses — both coming late in their respective periods — point to a team that improved as each frame progressed. The decisive powerplay goal underscores a recurring theme for Växjö: their special teams could be a weapon heading into the SHL season and CHL campaign.

What it means

For Kiekko-Espoo, this was their first loss of pre-season after three straight wins. They host Växjö again on Thursday (27 August, 18:30 local time) in the second leg of this back-to-back set.

For Växjö, this was their third pre-season outing and second win (Malmö 2-1 W, Rögle 2-3 OT L). They face Kiekko-Espoo again on Thursday before turning attention to the CHL, where they travel to Adler Mannheim on 4 September.

Verdict

A genuinely competitive pre-season fixture that told bettors more about both sides than a routine friendly might. Kiekko-Espoo's early energy and powerplay threat are real; Växjö's composure under pressure and ability to win special-teams battles are equally notable. The return fixture on Thursday should be another tight affair.