Finland’s under-20 men’s national ice hockey team won the group in their penultimate match with the goals of Latvia 3–0. Sports expert Top Nättinen highlights three things from the excerpts of the Young Lions.
1. A step back to the past
Finland lost the opening match to Switzerland in overtime, but against Slovakia, the Young Lions got a better grip on their attacking game. Now Finland even took a step back in terms of their attacking play.
Nättinen can see that during the three matches, Finland has attacked well for about two sets. For example, Finland’s number one chain Ville Koivunen–Oliver Kapanen–Joakim Kemell didn’t take the next step in his playing.
According to Nättinen, it was positive Niko Huuhtanen awakening, but the upward trend was not achieved.
– Of course, winning individual games is the most important thing, but this does not give the best starting points in terms of attacking. The players are not so full of self-confidence, which is needed to win the big puck countries.
Among the Finnish attackers, only the center of the four chain Sami Päivärinta is at a rate of 1+3 more than a point per game. Jani Nyman has scored 2+1, but otherwise the attackers of the first two chains are far from the top of the points market.
– Finland does not have a clear number one fist, a clear number one superiority and a guaranteed attack chain. In advance, we wonder if Finland has a game-like number one center. There are now three games against weaker teams, and the power is on the rise.
– Nyman is perhaps the only attacker from the top team who has the power points on the wall that should. Now the top players should have more than a point per game pace, so that the feeling is right.
2. Jani Lampinen is the number one goalkeeper
Aku Koskenvuo started with Finland’s goal, but after that Jani Lampinen has denied Nuorille Leijon two victories. Is Finland’s plan to split the initial group games evenly, or will Lampinen also continue against the United States?
– Lampinen would be my choice, but do you want to burden one goalkeeper? Do you want to give Koskenvuo a chance or Lampinen a rest?
Head coach of the Young Lions Tomi Lämsa has said that he listens in goalkeeper decisions as well Pekka Rinne opinion. You could imagine that Rinne, who worked hard as the first goaltender in the NHL, would rather be in favor of one of the playing goaltenders, i.e. Lampinen.
– Yes, we can think like that. A break day also offers such an opportunity. After two good games, what signal would it send to Lampinen if Koskenvuo played? Or if it is agreed that he will play the flute, what kind of signal is it for Koskenvuo to go and play one game. Now it’s even easier to continue on Lampinen.
3. Will Finland get back to its comfort zone?
Even if the game is not completely on track, in the future only the result will matter. Finland has already secured a place in the quarterfinals with its seven points, but with the match against the United States, the team can improve its position for the quarterfinals.
However, at these times, Finland will not necessarily go into the matches as early favorites anymore. It may even suit the Young Lions.
Nättinen reminds that the strength of Finnish competition teams has always been playing as underdogs in tough places.
– Then Finland plays at a very high quality and always raises the level just enough that it is enough. The start has left some question marks, but I expect the underdog position and playing for results to work for this team.
Even though the opponents have been easier, Finland has significantly weakened its defensive game since the practice games. While 10 goals went behind against Canada and the United States, Finland has now conceded only five goals in three matches.
Nättinen trusts that the defensive game is at a sustainable level and the goalkeeper plays well enough. Also, special situations do not move the boat in either direction.
– I expect Finland to take big steps, not necessarily tactically, but mentally. It would be seen in dueling, determination, emotional side. In August, Finland couldn’t get the feeling out. I believe that the contribution of the game now brings the feeling, says Nättinen.