The pre-favorite Leijonat got a mentally important win against Germany. According to Urheilu’s expert Juha Juujärvi, the opponents have played against Leijon more tactically than before.
The Lions got their opening win of the Ice Hockey World Championships on Saturday, when they beat Germany in a thriller with 4–3 goals.
Sports expert Juha Juujärvi highlights three takeaways from the Lions’ situation.
1. Necessary successes
The first chain emerged from Finland with two goals Sakari Manninen under. Mikko Rantanen accompanied with two assists, the latter of which he started with his wonderful individual performance Mikko Lehtonen the winning goal.
– We got the successes and important goals we needed for the front. There were a lot of good flashes from each chain, especially at the beginning of the game, but it didn’t necessarily materialize into a result yet.
– Kaapo Kako was in a really cheerful mood. By doing that, he can still make a result in this tournament.
The expert emphasizes the importance of the spiritual side. Leijonat was losing 1–2, but was able to overcome the difficulties in the match.
– The mental side was the biggest thing. This was by no means an easy game. With a 1–2 loss, the puck flew Jussi Olkinuoran from tackle to post. It would have been a really bad goal mentally.
Juujärvi reminds that a moment later Manninen tied the game. According to the expert, this moment liberated Finland’s playing.
– Even though the team is full of successful players and coaches, they still miss successes and victories. A really big win mentally.
You can also listen to Juha Juujärvi’s thoughts via the following audio. Reported by Jussi Paasi.
2. Struggle victories are needed
The expert states that the opponents have played tactically better and wiser against Leijon than before. Finland has not been able to take over matches with tactical skills.
Because of that, winning one-on-one situations and struggles is emphasized.
– Of course Teemu Hartikainen and Mikko Rantanen were able to win their own 1-1 situations and create chances, but it must be said that the Lions would need even better cooperation to win the situations.
Finland has room for improvement, for example, in the utilization of centers. The Lions played a lot against Germany through the wings.
– Utilization of centers from the center could be improved. The biggest problem is that in individual moments, such skilled and fast wingers, such as Rantanen and Kakko, got quite a few pucks at full speed. It could go through the centers.
3. Sweden suits Leijon
Leijonat lost to the United States in their opening match, but the victory over Germany will make it easier to prepare for Monday’s match against Sweden. According to Juujärvi, the pressure of the forced victory of Finland, which went into the games as early favorites, was reduced thanks to the three points.
According to Juujärvi, when facing an incendiary Sweden, the preconceived notions can be thrown into the scrap heap. They often come down to very small things.
– I believe that Finland will be able to get more into their own play through courage and emotion. Sweden is a good opponent in that, because it ignites and also plays very good hockey, where there are structures.
Finland has conceded seven goals in the first two games. The expert reminds that it is exceptional for Leijon, but believes that there are ways to tighten up the defensive game.
– In the big picture, however, the smoothness, speed and efficiency of the attacking game are the biggest thing for Leijon this year, says Juujärvi.
In their next match, Finland will face Sweden on Monday 15 May at 20:20. Urheilu follows the World Cup throughout the tournament in this article.