Finland was tied for a long time against the United States thanks to extreme efficiency. In terms of play, Finland was far behind.
The Women’s Ice Hockey World Cup will be played in Utica, USA. follows the events of the Games in the service, Urheilurutu and Urheiluradio.
Finland’s women’s national ice hockey team suffered its third defeat in the World Cup, when the United States defeated the Women’s Lions with a score of 5–3.
The readings flatter Finland, because the team was far behind its opponent in terms of play. However, Finland was extremely effective in finishing, as 12 shots on goal resulted in three goals.
Of these Elisa Holopainen finished off two superior direct attacks with great shots into the top corner. The third one was manufactured Sofiana Sundelin drive through.
Sports expert Mira Jalosuo states that the readings do not tell the whole truth about the match. He reminds that the shots were recorded for the United States 45–12.
– Finland cannot be satisfied with its game under any circumstances. However, this showed the level of the United States. It was much better than Finland in its movement and passing game.
There is plenty to do in the feed
Finland’s puck play was almost non-existent for long periods of time in the match. The female lions were constantly on the defensive when the passes didn’t click into their own shoulders.
Jalosuo sees that Naisleijon has a lot to improve here. He points out that Finland did not have open passing positions close enough.
– Players without the puck must be brought closer so that Finland can attack better. Now Finland is hoping for solutions. Susanna Tapani gave Sofiaanna Sundelini a wonderful pass to the opponent’s blue line, but those don’t happen terribly often in the game, Jalosuo reminds.
However, the current problems of the female lions stem from their defensive play. In all matches, Finland’s opponents have scored several goals in front of Finland’s goal.
Jenni Hiirikoski is very cold
Regarding the defense, it is striking that the captain Jenni Hiirikoski the power statistic is terribly cold. Hiirikoski’s plus-minus statistic, who plays 25 minutes, is -9 after three matches.
– When you look at the plus-minus statistics, the coaches probably also notice that some kind of changes need to be made, Jalosuo formulates.
Jalosuo reminds that Hiirikoski’s strength is skating, but at the moment the game is extremely consuming. He would reduce Hiirikoski’s playing minutes, for example through understrength.
You shouldn’t look for excuses behind Hiirikoski’s performance statistics. You have to react to it.
– Facts must be treated as facts. You can’t hide behind the fact that someone is the goalkeeper’s goal or whatever other excuses there are. If it’s -9 after three games, then it’s worth making changes.
More playing time could be offered, for example Nelli Laitinen, who has been Finland’s best defender in the tournament. He has played about 18 minutes of playing time.
– Elisa Holopainen and Nelli Laitinen were actually the only bright spots against the United States. Based on the first three games, Laitinen should get more playing time.
In Finland, “forced victory”
Finland’s first group ends with the Switzerland match on Monday from 22:00. In the match, signs of steps are already being sought for the probable quarter-final meeting between the two.
Regardless of the result, both teams will reach the quarterfinals, but mentally the victory has a bigger meaning.
– In terms of self-confidence, the match is a must-win. You can’t go to that game with your jacket open either, says Jalosuo.
Jalosuo brings up the Swiss captain by Lara Stalder as well as playing in Boston Alina Müller’s. Also the goalkeeper Andrea Brändli has played a good tournament.
– We will definitely see a tough fight.