loppukiekkoon

Loppukiekkoon is a Finnish term used in ice hockey to describe a late-game or late-period action in which a team shoots the puck toward the opponent’s goal as time runs down. The word combines loppu (end) with kiekko (puck), and the form loppukiekkoon marks direction toward the end of the clock, reflecting how the play unfolds during closing moments. The expression is primarily found in Finnish-language commentary, match reports, and analyses and is considered a sport-specific, colloquial term rather than a formal rule designation.

Usage and meaning

The term refers to situations where teams apply offensive pressure in the final minutes of a period or game, aiming to score before time expires. It characterizes a high-intensity sequence such as a late shot on goal, attempts to create a rebound, or other plays driven by clock management. While tied to the end of regulation, the concept can also be applied in overtime or other late-stage contexts in commentary and recap.

Variations and nuances

Loppukiekkoon is used to convey urgency and the strategic focus on scoring as the clock winds down. The precise nuance can vary by broadcaster or writer, with some emphasizing the tempo and risk of late-game attempts, while others use the term more generally to denote end-period pressure.

See also

Ice hockey terminology, Finnish sports language, Sports commentary terminology.