Urheilu’s expert Ismo Lehkonen sees that the match against Denmark had a great spiritual meaning for Leijon. Canada’s active hair-raising game can bring Finland superior attacks.
The Lions rallied to a 7–1 victory against Denmark in the World Hockey Championships.
Neither of them contributed to the match, as Denmark was already out of the playoffs and Finland’s quarter-final opponent was clear.
Sports expert Ismo Lehkonen highlights three takeaways from the Lions’ situation. You can also watch Lehkonen’s thoughts in the video below.
1. The humor in the game is appropriate
The first block of the lions was more and less forcing in terms of attacking play. Playing on the puck was not smooth, there was no chemistry in the chains and the playing lacked good-natured relaxation.
However, according to the expert, the latest victory over Denmark eased the atmosphere of the Lions. Finland got good passing chains and offensive starts. In general, the attacking game showed a bolder switching of positions.
– I think this was a good event. It definitely cheered up that group and it’s always forward when we go to the kasi game.
Lehkonen could have disagreed if the Lions’ game had gone much better at the beginning of the World Cup.
– Then I would have seen problems in this kind of game. After all, this was talking and looking for a good feeling.
– That team needed an evening like this, to get some femmes thrown and spirits up. Now Leijonat had good successes on a wide front.
The match was a big deal on the mental side.
– This was exactly and not nearly what the doctor had prescribed for that headache that Finland used to have.
2. Canadian nerve under test?
Canada wants to play very active and fast hockey typical of its identity. However, the team is not as quick on its feet as it should be, although it certainly has enough fighting power.
That’s why Lehkonen believes that in the Lions’ booth there is a lot of talk about fighting play, going to loose pucks and anticipation.
– When the Lions win most of these areas, it means that Finland constantly determines the direction and tempo of the game. If Finland gets the flow of the game to their liking, Canada’s nerves can’t take it.
Lehkonen believes that Finland will be able to puck out from under Canada’s active fury.
– Canada wants to grow very actively with up to four. When Leijonat can manage to unfurl constantly, then at some point good superior attacks will open up.
3. Canada was even frighteningly tough
Lehkonen believes that a very determined and good-natured lion pack will skate to the Tampere arena on Thursday night. He also believes that Finland will be able to prepare well for the game based on the videos, because Canada will hardly change the way they play.
Lehkonen sees that Leijon has insane potential to improve the game even more. He reminds that there are many players in Leijon who have won and been in tough positions.
– Now seven games have been played and they will get to the game they wanted and why they came to the games.
– That experience is of great importance when Canada comes up against them, even a frighteningly good Canada. The check game was so good from them.
According to Lehkonen, Finland needs to pay special attention to changes in direction as well as goalscoring if it wants to continue to the semifinals.
– Canada’s DNA can be seen in front of the goal. The Lions must protect their own goal. On the other hand, on the Canadian end, you have to be able to make a mask and be solid with loose pucks and timing.
Finland and Canada will meet on Thursday at 20:20 in Tampere. follows the events of the match moment by moment in the application and on the website.