Teemu Hartikainen, Sakari Manninen and Mikko Rantanen ran Germany down. The trio’s joint play started to slip in the final set.
TAMPERE. Should the Lions’ number one fist break up? This thought was on display for 100 minutes of the game, but the third period of the match against Germany proved otherwise. Mikko Rantanen, Sakari Manninen and Teemu Hartikainen the trio upset Germany and at the same time scored a 4–3 winning goal for Finland. Finished the hit Mikko Lehtonen.
The first chain seemed to be looking for each other throughout the USA game and on Saturday for two sets as well.
– We had blanks before, but in the third set we then hit the weaving switch in the eye. Then the game was as it should be. We took over the corners with “Rane” (Rantanen) and “Mane” was good in the middle, Hartikainen said.
Manninen completed two goals and Rantanen started two hits. Hartikainen recorded an assist on the winning hit.
– It’s good that we got such an experience, Hartikainen commented on the rise of his chain.
What image do you have of Rantase?
– He is really skilled. Sometimes I go too close to help, when I should just trust that he will come out of the struggles with the puck with his hands. Let the man do his thing, he showed magical things in the triple set.
Rantanen is used to playing more than 20 minutes in NHL games. On Saturday, the man’s playing time was only 17:16. Especially in the broken second period, it felt like the star couldn’t get on the ice at all.
– If it was 5-6 minutes more in Colorado, you’ll notice the difference. At least there is a lot of energy! Let’s go on the ice when we’re told to, Rantanen commented.
The star striker stated that he is also ready to be a center if the coaching sees it as the best option for the team.
Manninen was satisfied with the game of his chain, which seems to be improving with each change.
– It’s getting better all the time and now we had some good successes. We have been patient and grinded. The goals will come from there, Manninen said.
In their next match, Finland will face Sweden on Monday 15 May at 20:20. Urheilu follows the World Cup throughout the tournament in this article.