Helsinki Roosters put five-game winning streak on line against Tampere Saints

The Helsinki Roosters (5-3) bring a five-game winning streak into Saturday’s Finnish Maple League matchup against the Tampere Saints (2-6) at the Helsinki Velodrome, with the defending champions still battling for postseason position.

Roosters have turned season around

The Roosters looked to be in serious trouble after opening the season 0-3. Five straight victories later, Helsinki has secured a playoff berth and pushed itself back into the fight for third place.

The latest win came against these same Saints just over a week ago in Tampere. Helsinki led 21-14 at halftime before taking over after the break and rolling to a 49-20 victory.

Ambro Urjansson threw for 228 yards and four touchdowns in that win, while Freddie Brock and Lassi Pajarinen each scored twice. The Roosters offensive line did not allow a sack, while the Helsinki defense brought down Saints quarterback Christopher Howard three times.

Now Helsinki gets another shot at the Saints, this time at home, before closing the regular season against the Seinäjoki Crocodiles.

Saints look to change the script

The playoffs are out of reach for Tampere, but the Saints still have something to play for as they try to stay out of the bottom spot.

Logan Collier remains their biggest weapon through the air. The receiver leads the Maple League with 796 receiving yards through eight games, giving the Roosters secondary a clear priority Saturday.

The Saints are also adding players from the Hämeenlinna Tigers, while Arthur True is no longer in the lineup.

Reinforcements arrive for Helsinki

The Roosters will have some new options of their own.

Veteran linebacker Veikka Lehtonen joins the defense following the season-ending injury to Taavi Aronpää. Helsinki has also added several players from the Bulldogs, including linebacker Eemil Nieminen and center Aatos Airto.

The first meeting stayed competitive for a half before the Roosters broke it open. Tampere now gets another chance to make them work for four quarters.