Raimo Helminen, a legendary figure in Finnish ice hockey and former player for Ilves, has shared his feelings regarding his coaching experiences at TPS against Ilves. In his recent game as a head coach, he noted a significant shift from his initial nerves in their first encounter in the 2020–21 season to feeling more accustomed to the situation during their latest match. Despite the underlying tension, he expressed enjoyment in returning to play against Ilves, underscoring the passion for the game that still resonates with him.

Ilves secured a solid 4–1 victory over Helminen's team, SaiPa, which boosts their standings by ensuring a direct place in the playoffs. Helminen acknowledged the win as a 'really good' outcome for Ilves, demonstrating both respect for his former team and understanding of the competitive landscape. This outcome continues to signify the strong rivalry in Finnish ice hockey, emphasizing the significance of every match within such a close season where teams only meet twice.

Statistically, Helminen's time as head coach against Ilves has seen some ups and downs, with TPS triumphing in three out of four encounters during the initial season and only managing one win against Ilves in the last four matches. The rivalry and competition in the league are high, and every game holds weight in terms of playoff implications as teams strive for top positions, highlighting just how critical each victory can be in the run-up to the postseason.