The Finnish men’s national ice hockey team won the first group in their fourth match after France’s tight game with goals 5–3.
Sports expert Ismo Lehkonen highlights three highlights from the Lions’ situation. You can also watch Lehkonen’s thoughts in the video below.
1. No more whining
Lions head coach Jukka Jalonen stated to that it’s not worth making a big drama out of the match. From the perspective of the Lions, they faced a very tough team, although the general public does not value France as a hockey country.
According to Lehkonen, the match was a good example and a counterweight to the fierce debate about whether there are too many countries in the World Cup.
– France was hearty. They entered the duels with enthusiasm and had skating power.
– You also have to remember that quite a few guys play in tough European leagues. A few have also played in the SM league. These are no longer some kind of bullshit.
According to Lehkonen, it was clear from the lions’ actions that the game was forced.
– The pressure to collect points is hard when there are two defeats below. It’s not easy to get here. Sweat had to be dug properly, squeezed, twisted and turned to get the goal victory, says Lehkonen and refers to the fact that Finland scored its last goal on empty nets.
2. Will the dome go upside down?
Ismo Lehkonen was already in favor of chain changes before the France match. He also repeated after the game that no chemistry has been found within the five.
– Opening the packs gently for the attackers and crossing the middle area by throwing so as to get a high-quality direct attack. They are almost completely absent.
– Now we have had to twist and turn a lot. To throw the puck at the head and the tail. Opponents have been strong in those areas. They have always ended 50-50.
According to Lehkonen, coaching has a lot to think about, whether the chains and defense pairs are locked.
– Now it doesn’t look like many of the five are enjoying the game.
Jalonen told after the match that especially Juho Lammikon and Sakari Manninen chains have worked well, but the other two chains have had more challenges.
– We don’t get away with the fact that someone starts playing better, fighting and moving harder when someone else is next to them. Yes, everyone has to take care of their own land, Jalonen said about the chain changes.
However, according to Lehkonen, Jalonen has to think seriously about chain compositions.
– You could see from the body language of certain players that they are upset that the game is not going well. There started to be such elements that the dome started to go upside down.
Who are you referring to?
– For example, to the number one chain. Although they 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.
3. Variations to the superiority game
Finland’s superiority against France was tenuous, for example Teemu Hartikainen finally succeeded in finishing through the end game.
Lehkonen reminds that the dominant game will certainly play a big role in the playoffs. Therefore, clearly more different variations must be found.
– Rantanen will be a bit unused there on the right wing. He doesn’t really get to use his standard weapons and is at a disadvantage.
– Should we think about playing more through the end? The goal also came from end play. The other side’s end game is also an option. Jukka will certainly have to think about superiority as well.
After four games, Finland is fourth in Group A with seven points. The United States, having taken four straight victories, leads the group with 12 points.
At the moment, Finland is still playing for a place in the top four with France. According to Lehkonen, Finland must take points from Hungary and Austria, so that the last match against Denmark does not become a pressure game.
For example, Finland lost its last training game against Denmark 0–2.
– However, here we are still playing to see if we are among the four. I think it’s not worth losing at least two surfaces against Austria and Hungary.