The Finnish men’s national hockey team’s toughest NHL stars are still without a goal. Teemu Hartikainen is aware that it takes time for those who have played in North America to adapt to a new way of playing.
Finland’s biggest NHL stars Mikko Rantanen, Kaapo Kakko and Kasperi Kapanen are each still without a scored goal, after four matches have been played in the opening series of the World Hockey Championships.
Lions head coach Jukka Jalonen however, states that, for example, Rantase and his number one chain have had twenty places during the last couple of games on an even playing field.
– (Miko and Kaapo) haven’t had the net swing yet, but we believe and are patient. When there are lots, it will probably come. We don’t doubt it, Jalonen tells Urheilu.
– When you get a goal, the atmosphere between the boys’ ears probably relaxes and releases.
However, Jalonen immediately reminded that hockey should not be approached on a player-by-player basis, but to focus on the team and the whole.
– We don’t always think about what a player does, but how we do as a team. It doesn’t really matter to us who scores those goals. Of course, it makes it easier for the players, but it doesn’t put pressure on them.
“A pinch of relaxation”
Scored his second goal of the tournament against France Teemu Hartikainen states that the first chain has learned each other’s ways over the course of four games.
– If we had been more efficient, we would have had quite a lot of points, but we haven’t been. It’s more Snaps of relaxation, and this will be good, says Hartikainen.
– After all, those who have played in North America have learned this style of play, which is played here. It won’t come in a moment. However, there has been a lot of good in the game and we have created situations.
Have you noticed pain in playing the first chain?
– There is no pain here. Now we just play and enjoy hockey. Next week we will take the place in the next series, so we can play those tough games then.
Chain changes?
The Lions have played their first series matches with practically the same chains, but during the last two matches, the discussion about chain changes has intensified.
After the victory in France, Jalonen told Urheilu that he doesn’t think that anyone in Leijon will start playing better next to another player. He emphasized that everyone must play their own role.
Sports expert Ismo Lehkonen stated that Jalonen will have to seriously think about chain compositions. The expert has noted the body language of certain players.
– There were such elements that the dome starts to go upside down, Lehkonen said and referred to the number one chain, for example.
– Even though the first chain scored a goal, it is clear that they would like to play a softer game. It feels like they are staring a bit and looking for where everyone is going.