The head coach of the Lions, Jukka Jalonen, did not want to wait for NHL players. As a result, the Lions play at a high level.
The Ice Hockey World Cup will be played in the Czech Republic from 10 to 26. May. follows events in the app, website, Sports Screen and Sports Radio.
Finland took its first victory of the World Cup on Sunday, when Britain succumbed to the Lions’ goal attacks with a score of 8–0. Sports expert Ismo Lehkonen highlights three excerpts from the Lions’ excerpts.
1. A really good decision from Jalos
Lions head coach Jukka Jalonen made a tough decision when he announced at the beginning of the tournament that Finland is no longer waiting for NHL confirmations from the teams eliminated from the second round.
Finland would perhaps have the opportunity to get, for example Sebastian Ahon like a superstar. Carolina is currently losing to the New York Rangers with 1–3 match wins.
According to Urheilu’s expert Ismo Lehkonen, it was a really good decision to lock the team and stamp all the players’ passports to the World Cup.
– Now there are 14 attackers and the competition for playing spots is really tough. All are quality players. The game shows repetition and humility to do even small things with care, says Lehkonen.
According to Lehkonen, as a result, Finland’s defensive playing is by far the best level compared to other teams. He has seen excerpts from all countries and looked at the top countries with special piety.
– Finland defends the top countries with such discipline, footwork and conscientiousness. Leijonat is light years ahead of other teams.
According to the expert, Finland also took steps forward in attacking play.
– It’s really nice to start building on this. Stamping passports was a good decision. Now the guys are fighting honestly on their own screens for a place in the game. It shows in the gameplay.
2. Oliver Kapanen excelled
Oliver Kapanen scored a hat-trick in the UK net. Also played on his side Jesse Puljujärvi scored his first World Cup goal and also provided two assists.
According to the expert, Puljujärvi’s effective evening was led by Kapanen’s playing. According to Lehkonen, Kapanen’s playing showed a modern North American style.
– Very good Offers for opening plays in the middle lane and puck-free compression skating all the way to the goal. He took care of the goalpost really well and because of that there was room for “Pulju” and Ahti Oksanen. Oksanen also got his assist points (0+3) from corner twists.
In addition to the 20-year-old Kapanen, the expert highlights Arttu Hyryn23, and more experienced Hannes Björninen as the center of gaming.
– Big hats off to these two centers, who are first timers. I sprinkled the good ones. Björninen also pressed hard in the middle lane.
3. Granlund back as center
Instead, an 18-year-old Konsta Helenius and Finland’s number one chain was still finding its way. Lehkonen calculated that the chain was only able to create four scoring chances during the match.
– There were no combinations. If you compare to the others, Kapanen had five scoring opportunities in the second half and scored three goals.
– In the case of Helenius, it must be remembered that he is only 18 years old. The game does not work by pressing the button, even if the opponent is not top class. However, there were adult players who are very strong to fight.
According to the expert, Finland now has three good centers. Lehkonen reminds that in order to succeed in the playoffs, Finland needs a reliable number one center.
Mikael Granlund played as the first center in the opening match, but against Britain he played on the wing.
– I would not like to see Granlund on the sidelines. Everyone knows that Granlund is an extremely good center. I doubt that he would play on the wing in the future.
The Ice Hockey World Cup will be played in the Czech Republic from 10 to 26. May. follows events in the app, website, Sports Screen and Sports Radio.
In their next match, Finland will face Norway on Monday, May 13. at 5:20 p.m.