Reminiscing During the Stanley Cup Final
EDMONTON — In a remarkable coincidence, Sami Kapanen found himself reminiscing while watching the first game of the Stanley Cup Final from Finland. As the clock ticked on June 4, he noticed striking parallels between his past and his son’s present experiences on the ice. It was precisely 23 years ago that Sami, then a forward for the Carolina Hurricanes, participated in the Cup Final against the Detroit Red Wings.
A Family Parallel in Performance
In that 2002 series opener, Sami contributed significantly with two assists, leading to an exhilarating overtime victory. Fast forward to this year, his son Kasperi Kapanen, also aged 28 and now with the Edmonton Oilers, mirrored his father’s debut by also achieving two assists in a crucial overtime win over the Florida Panthers.
Sami reflected on the uncanny similarities, noting, “It’s scary how much is the same.”
Back in 2002, the Hurricanes took the win in their series opener, but what followed was a painful memory as they endured a four-game losing streak against the Red Wings.
Lessons from the Past
The elder Kapanen’s own play diminished post-injury after he suffered a significant hand injury that season, which left him unable to reach his full potential during those playoffs. Upon reflecting on his experiences, Sami expressed a desire to have embraced the moment more fully rather than worrying about his statistics, stating,
“I wish I could go back and just play. Just enjoy it. Don’t worry about the numbers.”
Kasperi’s Growth and Opportunity
Kasperi, a former first-round draft pick whose path has been marked by highs and lows—including being traded from the St. Louis Blues to the Oilers this season—recognized the gravity of this opportunity. After previously struggling, he responded superbly in Game 1; not only did he excel with his scoring contributions, but he also showcased an aggressive forecheck, noticeably disrupting the Panthers’ play.
Sami praised his son’s improvement, articulating how he appears more self-assured than he has in recent memory, particularly reminiscent of his time playing alongside NHL star Evgeni Malkin. The elder Kapanen highlighted Kasperi’s emotional connection to the game, emphasizing the importance of feeling supported by his coaches for optimal performance.
A Family Legacy in Ice Hockey
In his NHL journey, Kasperi has experienced moments of triumph, most notably a game-winning goal in a double-overtime playoff match for the Toronto Maple Leafs during his rookie year. The Kapanen family legacy in ice hockey is profound; Kasperi’s grandfather, Hannu, represented Finland at the 1976 Olympics, contributing to a family tradition that has seen five members compete in major international tournaments.
Expressing the heartfelt support that surrounds him from family, Kasperi noted,
“It’s a little overwhelming at times. They’re just happy that I’m finally here and I’ve got a chance to win.”
Looking Forward to the Future
As for Sami, the thought of potentially celebrating a Stanley Cup victory is bittersweet. While he intends to visit Edmonton for Game 5, he has been watching the earlier matches live from Finland, eagerly awaiting the unfolding of this historic opportunity for his family.
“I’m so excited. I can see it. His game is coming. It’s getting better and better. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime and that’s the time that you want to perform,”
said Sami, echoing the hopes of a legacy poised to reach new heights.
