The Lahti Pelicans were on fire in their Game Day 3 clash with Czech side Vítkovice Ridera. The Finns scored three in the first and one in the second period to take a commanding 4-0 shutout win over the visiting Czechs as they won their second set of three points in three games.
The main man up front was none other than Champions Hockey League legend Ryan Lasch who we caught after the game. Lahti came into this game all guns blazing - was that the plan?
"Yeah that was definitely something we focused on," started Lasch, "we started strong and that really helped us build up."
"Every game we're trying to build"Ryan Lasch, Lahti Pelicans
Both teams were in the game with Lahti picking up 31 SOG to Vítkovice's 29. What differentiated Lahti from Vítkovice?
"Well, we played the full 60 minutes but they were very competitive in the first 20," he replied.
The Finns did also have seven powerplays to Vítkovice's three and scored two of their four goals while a man up. Lasch scored both his goals at equal strength.
Lahti's six points mean they sit comfortably mid-table in the Regular Season Standings. Is that good for now?
"Yeah, we're really happy, every game we're trying to build and hopefully this win will also help us prepare for Sunday's game against another Czech team."
Lasch, who scored two goals and picked up two assists on the night, currently sits at seven points (3G+4A) in three games. But the American was injured in Lahti's last game against the Rouen Dragons and missed two thirds of the game due to a hand injury. How did he feel out on the ice?
"It was just good to get out there," he responded, "I felt like it was okay to go through and play tonight so hopefully that will continue."
Lahti's next game in the CHL will be at home against Oceláři Třinec on Sunday 10 September at 15:00 CEST.