WC: 2015 — Team Finland

[FiLe]

I think part of the PP's ineffectiveness can be accounted to the fact that there haven't been stable units yet. They've shifted pretty wildly from game to game depending on who's been in the lineup.

Once they pick the final team and settle on stable forward combinations and (hopefully) similarly stable D pairings to man the blueline, at least maintaining possession in the deep end should become easier.

 

[SoupyFIN]

Jokinen is still far more skilled than most of the players in the current squad, so one certainly can't blame the Nose for wanting to try it out and give it some time. If they happen to click, the payout will likely be far greater than pairing Barkov with some common grinder.

But like I said, should the final team will feature more skill players (as it likely will), the situation will certainly be different.

I wouldn't count on it. Early on in the season when Barkov was still playing with Jokinen, Gallant suddenly threw Kopecky (who had an awful season and is barely an NHL 4th liner at this point, possibly the slowest guy in the league this season) and Upshall (decent bottom6 winger with speed) on his line. Barkov answered with probably his best offensive game of the season up to that point.

JJ is so freakin' slow that he can't create space with speed and he isn't skilled enough to draw attention to himself. That's two features that have been proven to work with Barkov.

 

[Periwinkle]

Do you think Ristolainen is going to make it? I only saw one (terrible) practice game, but he didn't look good.

 

[Gaps]

Do you think Ristolainen is going to make it? I only saw one (terrible) practice game, but he didn't look good.

My guess is yes, but we shall see. It's not like he's been the only NHL player on the team who's been bad in the practice games.

 

[QnebO]

Risto criticism has gone too far. JJ hasn't been criticized enough. Both based on their actual playing in Czech games.

 

[JJTT]

Is the team announced today?

 

[FiLe]

At earliest today, but if not, then likely on Monday. Jalonen said though that with Komarov and Immonen's injuries it may take more time.

 

[mattihp]

Is Määttä out?

 

[FiLe]

Is Määttä out?

He's been out since December due to shoulder surgery.

 

[FiLe]

Team to be announced tomorrow. So no point in wearing out that F5 button today.

 

[rduck1]

I wonder if Rinne or Koskinen or both or neither will be on the list... Also hope no ridiculous cuts are made.

 

[FiLe]

Also hope no ridiculous cuts are made.

I think plural is unnecessary here, as there'd be only one cut that would be utterly ridiculous: RR55.

While we all have our preferences, most others are either "safe" players or up to semantics. I'd be slightly miffed to see Hartikainen and Jokipakka go as well, but could live with that since we have lots of power forwards/grinders of seemingly equal standing. Also I don't think we'll win or lose based on if one stay-at-home d-man makes it or not.

But Ristolainen is loaded with the kind of x-factor that can win us a big game, so cutting him because there are miniscule issues with his defensive game or something similar would mean we again have a coach who either tries to get too cute - or has two different decks for vets and newcomers.

 

[Jussi]

Kemppainen and Donskoi probably guaranteed names: http://www.suomikiekko.com/2015/04/...tamalle-pelaajalle-etta-vastaavat-puhelimeen/

 

[JJTT]

Kemppainen and Donskoi probably guaranteed names: http://www.suomikiekko.com/2015/04/...tamalle-pelaajalle-etta-vastaavat-puhelimeen/

Nah. I think Vallin and Keränen.

 

[FiLe]

Okay guys, this is strictly a rumor so don't take it for gospel, but I heard that the reason they didn't release the team today was because they needed the time to clear paperwork with a certain late addition netminder...

 

[QnebO]

Okay guys, this is strictly a rumor so don't take it for gospel, but I heard that the reason they didn't release the team today was because they needed the time to clear paperwork with a certain late addition netminder...

Dear Santa / God... let it be Rinne.

 

[rduck1]

Okay guys, this is strictly a rumor so don't take it for gospel, but I heard that the reason they didn't release the team today was because they needed the time to clear paperwork with a certain late addition netminder...

Vehviläinen ?

 

[FiLe]

Just for the record, if I had a name, I would have told it. So it could be that there's some bureaucratic hoop to pass with Koskinen and that's the reason he hasn't been named to the squad yet.

 

[matzz]

Vehviläinen ?

He is standing on is head right now in u18...incredible

 

[Merya]

Dear Santa / God... let it be Rinne.

I'd rather go with Koskinen and Saros this time. Right now I think Koskinen is in better form than Rinne. Saros has also been really good and it'd be a nice opportunity to give him some more international games. It's not like we have much of a chance this year as the games against Czech show. Then again, when do we have a chance... I just don't see KoJo as that kind of coach. He wins with superstars, not underdogs.

 

[Backami]

Good luck Suomi!

 

[Mestaruus]

Dear Santa / God... let it be Rinne.

Yes!

I'd rather go with Koskinen and Saros this time. Right now I think Koskinen is in better form than Rinne.

No!

I think Koskinen might come as a backup also, so let's just get them both. Saros can be the 3rd one.

 

[Black Duck]

I'm with Merya. I think Koskinen should be better in Prague since they are playing on bigger ice than in NHL. If Rinne decides to come I can guess he will have some trouble with positioning.

Rinne had good season in Nashville and I hope he decides to stay there and take it easy after the bitter lost in the first round. On to next season I say!

 

[mattihp]

Lehterä and/or Pumpkin head?

 

[QnebO]

Lehterä and/or Pumpkin head?

Pumpkin head ftw.