Daniel Mäkiaho’s scoring has taken off this season, with the HIFK forward recording nine goals and nine assists. He says he is not a natural sniper and prefers to shoot only when he has a good opportunity, rather than take shots from a tight angle or risk losing possession with an unnecessary attempt.
Mäkiaho has scored nine times from 40 shots. His goal total is 5.12 above his expected-goals figure, the best difference in Liiga, while his rate of 1.35 above expected per 60 minutes is also exceptionally high. He said he had not previously looked closely at the figures, but feels he usually shoots from the right place and at the right time.
He has scored twice on the power play, where he tends to pass more than shoot. Mäkiaho also credits extra finishing practice, good linemates and some luck for his start. His personal scoring has not eased his frustration with HIFK’s results: he says the team needs greater consistency, better exits from its own zone and quicker responses to opponents’ pressure.