Alex Tuch scored two goals into the Lions’ net in the final set, as the USA celebrated a 4–1 victory at the Tampere arena. Finland’s Kaapo Kakko took note of the quiet home crowd.
TAMPERE. of Buffalo Alex Tuch was elevated to the USA’s talisman before the World Cup tournament. Friday’s World Cup opener against Finland underlined the importance of the attacker and the abilities of the solver. Tuch scored two hits in the final set, when the USA surprisingly beat the Lions 4–1.
– I had a lot of opportunities already in the first two sets. In the third Rocco Grimaldi then arranged an almost empty goal for me and at the end I was still able to score, Tuch recounted his own evening.
The man emphasized the importance of the victory for the young USA team. The USA worked hard, scored greedily and frustrated Finland.
– We caused chaos, forced Finland on its heels and out of its own system. We forced Finland to play North American hockey.
Tuch stated that even though the USA has a star-studded team at the World Cup, it has strong faith.
– We have a lot of young players who are still turning people’s heads in this tournament, Tuch described.
– We are underdogs and we are underestimated, but we focus on every game and we are on our toes. We want to win gold.
Tuch’s assessment of Finland was full of respect, although not very flattering words about the USA have been presented here.
– Defending world champion and Olympic champion. Lots of firepower and depth. A great home crowd that we silenced.
The second praised DeSmith’s saves
Tuch gave praise to the Lions’ goalkeeper For Emil Larm, which was raining pucks, especially in the second set. The USA defender also played well Casey DeSmith. His skills noticed for example Kaapo Kako.
– I could have scored a few goals, there were opportunities. The opponent’s veskar was at least good today, maybe the best player of the game. The flapper hand at least worked, I put a few right there, the second one was bewitched.
The first World Cup game at home made Kako restless.
– In my case, the loading at the beginning was quite hard. I tried to get something done in the beginning so I could calm down.
Kakko noticed that even the home crowd calmed down strangely after the initial excitement. The reason for that was certainly the USA’s good game, but maybe also the start time of 16:20. Saturday’s match against Germany doesn’t start until 8:20 p.m.
– The atmosphere can be tougher in the evening game. The group has had time to stay a little longer in the hall, Kakko smiled, and he didn’t have to mention alcohol separately.
– Our game was also pretty quiet, so maybe it was deserved.