Finland started the NHL’s four -country tournament with voluntary training. The solution differed from others, but according to head coach Antti Pennanen, there is enough training time.
The four -country hockey NHL tournament will be played in Montreal and Boston in February. follows the events closely on the sports screen, sports radio and service.
The Finnish hockey team was practicing for the first time in Montreal on Monday night during the NHL’s four-country tournament. There was less hustle and bustle in the rink, as unlike other tournament teams, the first exercises of the Lions were volunteers.
The trough did not see, among other things Mikko from Ranta, Patrik Lainetta or Roope Hintz. A total of ten players missed the first exercises.
– In the morning, we made the decision to keep the exercises volunteering. We have two exercises and one morning still. It’s enough. Players have played a lot of games lately. It also influenced the choice. Tomorrow the whole team will come on the ice and get to practice in the chains, head coach Antti Pennanen justified.
– We have enough time before the first game and two days to work out together. Everybody did what you need, captain Alexander Barkov In turn, said after the exercises.
In their opening match, the Lions meet the United States on Thursday and Friday night Finnish time. In particular, the Finnish defense has suffered severe injuries due to injuries when Miro Heiskanen, Rasmus Ristolainen and Jani Hakanpää They have had to get away from the tournament.
Last -minute additions have not come to the coaching team led by Pennanen.
Finland goes to the tournament as an underdog, but there is nothing new in history in the starting position. For example, in previous Olympics starred by NHL players in Sochi 2014, among other things, Mikko Koivu and Valtteri Filppula They had to stay aside at the last minute, but the tournament ended at the bronze medal celebration.
– We are not pre -favorites on paper, but it hasn’t bothered us before. Nice to be the underdog sometimes, in Florida, the Stanley Cup last summer Anton Lundell quoth.
The opening opponent in the US camp was commented on in an ordinary Yankee style respect.
– Finland is always a difficult opponent. They are very good about the structure of the game. I have seen it at different levels in the World Championships for Young and Adults. They have their superstars here, but usually they have a slightly unknown team up and running. They have a great but difficult style. The first match is a good challenge for us, the defender Charlie mcavoy quoth.
The head coach was parallel to the parallel Mike Sullivan Thoughts on the Finnish team.
– Finland is a tight opponent. They are a competitive and proud group. I expect the opening match to be very even, Sullivan said.