WC: 2015 — Team Finland

[Gaps]

To bring a new topic to the table... Kontiola didn't look good in Sweden. Granted it was only a few periods, but still. What if he can't get himself into shape by May? IMO then he shouldn't be on the team at all. And if he's not on the team, what do we do with JMA? Take a risk and play him with Immonen (or someone else)?

 

[FiLe]

To bring a new topic to the table... Kontiola didn't look good in Sweden. Granted it was only a few periods, but still. What if he can't get himself into shape by May? IMO then he shouldn't be on the team at all. And if he's not on the team, what do we do with JMA? Take a risk and play him with Immonen (or someone else)?

I agree that Kontiola shouldn't automatically make the team by past merit alone. However, I don't see why KJ & co would figure that him and JMA are such a conjoined pair that one can't exist without the other. I know that Aaltonen's best showings in NT have been next to Kontiola, but don't really see a reason why they'd leave him out based on that.

Plenty depends on the NHLers who are available and willing to come, but if we're to think Europe alone, Immonen already has a stable snipe partner in Salminen. And if my sense of things are correct, Jalonen may favor a more balancing act on the other side - like Osala. I repeat again, there is a line that has looked really good in these EHT games.

In a scenario like that, Aaltonen most likely will be placed next to whoever is our other top-six centre.

 

[Gaps]

I agree that Kontiola shouldn't automatically make the team by past merit alone. However, I don't see why KJ & co would figure that him and JMA are such a conjoined pair that one can't exist without the other. I know that Aaltonen's best showings in NT have been next to Kontiola, but don't really see a reason why they'd leave him out based on that.

Plenty depends on the NHLers who are available and willing to come, but if we're to think Europe alone, Immonen already has a stable snipe partner in Salminen. And if my sense of things are correct, Jalonen may favor a more balancing act on the other side - like Osala. I repeat again, there is a line that has looked really good in these EHT games.

In a scenario like that, Aaltonen most likely will be placed next to whoever is our other top-six centre.

I know they won't leave JMA off the team even if Kontiola's proven not to be good enough this year, but in that case I'd hope KJ has the balls to bench him if it turns out we can't find a good match for him in Kontiola's absence. I've wondered if Kapanen could be a serious option this year as he's looked good in the KHL, but somehow I doubt if he's still got enough left in the tank for a top 6 role in the WHC.

 

[QnebO]

Kontiola has always been overrated in our NT (good yet overrated). No need to worry if JMA will be good without him, absolutely zero change that Kontiola affects it. If Aaltonen wants to play he's good, but hees kinda mielialapelaaja.

 

[QnebO]

Barkov hasn't stop his development as a player. It starts to look like he becomes best center to play for this NT when he hits 25-27.. which is still 6-8 years from now and its starting to look really decent already!

I hope the cats lets him to NT if they miss playoffs.

 

[FiLe]

Looks like we can stop filrting with the idea about Timonen, unless the Hawks are due for a quick exit.


Our situation concerning centre forwards looks interesting. I'd say Immonen is pretty much a lock since he can play in any role, but after that there are a handful of possibilities, lot depending on the things in NA of course.

If the Cats miss out, Barkov would be nice. In the west, the battle for final slots could potentially release the Wild men, or MaG from Calgary (Adirondack not currently in, but still in the hunt, though).

In Europe, Kontiola is on the table if he's in form, and I'm guessing Kemppainen has become option number three.

Then there's an interesting wild card: Kim Hirschovits. Given his previous NT showings, he seems like a wash, but given how Jalonen said just today how he wants players who are hot right now, it wouldn't be surprising if he's on the radar.


It could create an interesting squad if Jalonen actually goes all out on what he says, and tries to pick as many players whose current form look good instead of going for the established names first.

 

[ergi24]

Lehtonen
Niemi/Ramo
Mikko Koskinen

Ristolainen
Jokipakka
Lepistö
Hietanen
Kukkonen
Lajunen
Lindell
Ohmataa


Komarov
T.Ruutu
M.Koivu
Haula
Mikael Granlund
Bergenheim
J.Jokinen
Barkov
Korpikoski
Aaltonen
Immonen
Salminen
Kontiola
Pihlström

Korpikoski-Koivu-J.Jokinen
Mikael Granlund-Barkov-Ruutu
Komarov-Kontiola-Aaltonen
Bergenheim-Immonen-Salminen
Pihlstrom,Haula

 

[Gaps]

Looks like we can stop filrting with the idea about Timonen, unless the Hawks are due for a quick exit.


Our situation concerning centre forwards looks interesting. I'd say Immonen is pretty much a lock since he can play in any role, but after that there are a handful of possibilities, lot depending on the things in NA of course.

If the Cats miss out, Barkov would be nice. In the west, the battle for final slots could potentially release the Wild men, or MaG from Calgary (Adirondack not currently in, but still in the hunt, though).

In Europe, Kontiola is on the table if he's in form, and I'm guessing Kemppainen has become option number three.

Then there's an interesting wild card: Kim Hirschovits. Given his previous NT showings, he seems like a wash, but given how Jalonen said just today how he wants players who are hot right now, it wouldn't be surprising if he's on the radar.


It could create an interesting squad if Jalonen actually goes all out on what he says, and tries to pick as many players whose current form look good instead of going for the established names first.

I think Hirso's situation should depend largely on who (if anyone) ends up coming from the NHL. In the case that both Barkov and Koivu happened to be available and willing, Hirso should be either off the team entirely or in the press box. He's essentially a poor man's version of both of those guys, complete with lack of speed.

 

[FiLe]

I think Hirso's situation should depend largely on who (if anyone) ends up coming from the NHL. In the case that both Barkov and Koivu happened to be available and willing, Hirso should be either off the team entirely or in the press box. He's essentially a poor man's version of both of those guys, complete with lack of speed.

It goes without saying that if we can get two established names from the NHL, Hirso becomes a footnote. My main reason for bringing him up was to mainly speculate his chances in a situation where we get none or maximum of one.

 

[moropanov]

I just hope Juhamatti Aaltonen will be playing for Finland this spring he is awesome to watch such artistic player! He is very much like kovalchuk eventough kovalchuk is bit more straight forward type and aaltonen more of dangler... He has NHL top level hands/skating skill WISE and is explosive and quite strong only problem is his mentality/head case.

 

[FiLe]

I just hope juhamatti aaltonen will be playing for Finland this spring he is awesome to watch such artistic player! He is very much like kovalchuk eventough kovalchuk is bit more straight forward type and aaltonen more of dangler... He has NHL top level hands/skating skill WISE and is explosive and quite strong only problem is his mentality/head case.

If Aaltonen wants to play for this team, he'll make the cut.

---

I guess now would be an opportune time to bring attention to a name who seems to have been flying under the radar somewhat: Jarno Koskiranta. Currently a supreme creature in Sibir. The season's been far from bad for him overall, but he really seems to have found his groove come the springtime. As an extension, he seems to have discovered quite an effective snipe partner in Jonas Enlund.

Koskiranta's foray onto the WHC stage in 2013 was a decent one. While Kontiola was in a class of his own in those games, Koskiranta was similarly the second best centre we had in that rather abysmal lineup. At least before the appearance of MiG, that is. Enlund's been in the bubble for some years now, always showing promise but never quite hitting the sweet spot. But now... I have to wonder.

If Kontiola is in shape and the Panthers fail in their hunt, we could have four rather nice and even lines, perhaps something like this...

Komarov - Barkov - J.Jokinen
Korpikoski - Kontiola - Aaltonen
Salminen - Immonen - Osala
Hartikainen* - Koskiranta - Enlund

*Or Ruutu if he wants to be there.

I know that Jokinen and Barkov have not exactly been a match made in heaven in Florida, but in order to give Sasha a snipe partner and due to the fact that Jokinen would likely go even worse to waste playing the workhorse to Konna-JMA -duo, he just defaults into that slot. Also good to keep in mind that it'd be big ice and different circumstances overall.

 

[QnebO]

If Aaltonen wants to play for this team, he'll make the cut.

---



Komarov - Barkov - J.Jokinen
Korpikoski - Kontiola - Aaltonen
Salminen - Immonen - Osala
Hartikainen* - Koskiranta - Enlund

*Or Ruutu if he wants to be there.

No Konna. I'd also like to see Palola depending on the NHL players.

 

[FiLe]

No Konna. I'd also like to see Palola depending on the NHL players.

I too think Kontiola needs to go through the camp in order to show he can do it. Other options who could be contention are Kemppainen and Hirschovits. Wirtanen could also feature in the bottom-six.

As far as scoring wingers go, I'd say Salminen and Aaltonen are the frontrunners from Europe, but the likes of Palola and Donskoi are breathing right down their necks and could indeed feature if there's no help from NA. ATM, only winger suitable for such a role who looks like he could be available is J.Jokinen. Unless you wish to count Ruutu as one.

 

[Raimo Sillanpää]

Komarov - Barkov - J.Jokinen
Korpikoski - Kontiola - Aaltonen
Salminen - Immonen - Osala
Hartikainen* - Koskiranta - Enlund

*Or Ruutu if he wants to be there.

No Komarov in top lines. He is far better as a player than those on 3rd line etc yes - but he can't score at this level as often as is needed as he is a born bottom 6 player. Salminen for the first line instead.
Also I think Jalonen will call up one of Tuppurainen, Donskoi and Palola for the team, and consider Hirsovits a lock before Konna these days.

Traditionally Skoda cup has had 1-2 best players from Liiga even if they've been out of their depth - it is important to Jääkiekkoliitto to show that local league is important.

 

[JJTT]

Since Jalonen has been using 3 scoring lines this season, I think Palola and Donskoi will both be there. I don't see any use for Tuppurainen, too inconsistent.

Korpikoski-Barkov-Palola
J.Jokinen-Immonen-Aaltonen
Salminen-Kemppainen-Donskoi
Hartikainen-Koskiranta-Komarov

Wirtanen, Osala

As for defense I think it's pretty much set:

Lepistö-Hietanen
Lindell-Jaakola
Näkyvä-Ristolainen
Kukkonen-Väänänen

Goalies are Engren, Koskinen and Saros if nobody from NHL comes.

 

[QnebO]

I too think Kontiola needs to go through the camp in order to show he can do it. Other options who could be contention are Kemppainen and Hirschovits. Wirtanen could also feature in the bottom-six.

As far as scoring wingers go, I'd say Salminen and Aaltonen are the frontrunners from Europe, but the likes of Palola and Donskoi are breathing right down their necks and could indeed feature if there's no help from NA. ATM, only winger suitable for such a role who looks like he could be available is J.Jokinen. Unless you wish to count Ruutu as one.

Pretty much, but Palola is best goal scorer in europe for Finland I think. Not at that level as player taking into account all areas, but the shot and goal scoring ability makes him Tapparas Pulkkinen.

 

[FiLe]

No Komarov in top lines. He is far better as a player than those on 3rd line etc yes - but he can't score at this level as often as is needed as he is a born bottom 6 player. Salminen for the first line instead.
Also I think Jalonen will call up one of Tuppurainen, Donskoi and Palola for the team, and consider Hirsovits a lock before Konna these days.

Salminen these days is almost as inseparable part with Immonen as Kontiola and Aaltonen used to be. They're gonna be in the same line in these games. Should there be a need to find more offensive-minded player for that top unit, Palola is indeed a good, solid option.

Korpikoski-Barkov-Palola
J.Jokinen-Immonen-Aaltonen
Salminen-Kemppainen-Donskoi
Hartikainen-Koskiranta-Komarov

Heh, you can tell somebody's a Kärppä fan. Sticking to Kemppainen-Donskoi, but splitting up the Torpedo duo who are far more prominent.

---

Also, there is a player's status to contend. If we have plenty of high-profile grinders available, it will be difficult for the management to cut them like that, and some will have to be shoehorned into the upper lines. I don't like it, but that's reality.

Following forwards will likely be available once the NHL's regular season ends: Barkov, J.Jokinen, Komarov, Korpikoski and Ruutu. If all of them are willing to come, Jalonen won't say "no" to any of them.

For centermen, Barkov and Immonen will be 1-2 in that case. For #3, the options are Koskiranta, Kemppainen and Hirschovits. For #4, Koskiranta and Kemppainen remain as options, but one can replace Hirso with Wirtanen.

Ultimately, I think it's going to lead into something like this, when we take existing chemistry into consideration:

Ruutu - Barkov - Jokinen
Salminen - Immonen - Osala
Korpikoski - Koskiranta - Aaltonen
Komarov - Wirtanen - Hartikainen
+Kemppainen, Donskoi/Palola

Does Ruutu deserve to be on the top line? No, but his status does not mean he will be completely off the team and his familiarity with Jokinen will slot him there.


On defense, I have to agree with JJTT's machinations. I'd say though that Jokipakka could feature in bottom-four, but not automatically.

For goalies, I'd say Helenius and Säteri are also options if nothing arrives from overseas. Otherwise, NHLer-Koskinen will make up the playing tandem and Saros makes an opportune reserve guy.

 

[JJTT]

Ruutu - Barkov - Jokinen
Salminen - Immonen - Osala
Korpikoski - Koskiranta - Aaltonen
Komarov - Wirtanen - Hartikainen
+Kemppainen, Donskoi/Palola

Why you think they will pick so many grinders? That doesn't make any sense.

Yeah clearly I'm the only one who thinks Donskoi/Kemppainen will make it

http://www.urheilulehti.fi/jaakiekk...m-lipun-voi-jo-leimata-fantastista-jaakiekkoa
http://www.suomikiekko.com/2015/02/karppasentteri-kolkuttelee-mm-kisojen-ovia-naytot-ovat-hyvat/
http://www.urheilulehti.fi/jaakiekk...-hurja-nhl-vertaus-mm-paikka-erittain-lahella
http://www.jatkoaika.com/Haastattel...onskoi-oikealla-tiellä-kohti-mm-kisoja/164763

 

[FiLe]

Why you think they will pick so many grinders? That doesn't make any sense.

Prominence. Like I said, if Ruutu, Korpikoski and Komarov are coming, they're coming. Not that I personally agree with it, but it's what it is. Then there's Osala who's become the third cog to Salminen-Immonen duo. Hartikainen is the only piece I could see being somewhat loose. But if it's the 4th line winger slot, someone like Palola will be a complete waste in there. Donskoi I could see fitting in.

And did you even read what I noted about Koskiranta just a few posts back? 13+32 in regular season, now 5+0 in six games in KHL playoffs. With that, he shares the top scorer spot in playoffs with Mozyakin. Does that sound like a grinder to you? He's essentially become Sibir's main replacement to Lehterä.

If Kontiola really is out of shape and has no business in these games this year, red hot Koskiranta is the #1 candidate to replace him.


Note that I had both Kemppainen and Donskoi on the team too, just not in the regular lineup. They're essentially perfect as extra parts. Whether they get to play or not depends on what we get from the NHL. If we get nothing or 1-2 guys, they're in. No question. If we get more, even if they're technically grinders, they do become questionable. And Osala is currently ahead of both and will be there, grinder or no.

In other words - both Kemppainen and Donskoi are very strong candidates. But only with heavy Kärppä leanings can one call 'em locks or think they're the primary pair to be joined at the hip.

 

[jka*]

Bergenheim, Mi.Granlund, J.Jokinen, Barkov, Salminen, Immonen, Korpikoski, Wirtanen, Hartikainen must play for Finland.

To take another medalj. Gold, silver or bronze. Whatever.

I belief on Czech, Sweden, USA and Finland in this year tournament.

USA or Czech Republic take down Russia in quarterfinals.

Sweden or Finland take down Denmark in quarterfinals.

 

[Eye of Ra]

Lajunen from Lakers (SHL) should be the fourth-line center. He is just a beast.

 

[FiLe]

Lajunen from Lakers (SHL) should be the fourth-line center. He is just a beast.

He was very good in 2011 and wouldn't mind at all to see him back, but Wirtanen from Jokerit is likely considered superior for the role these days.

 

[rduck1]

Esa Lindell finished the Liiga regular season leading all defensemen in points, goals and time on ice, while playing a sound defensive game and bringing a strong physical element. Couple that with a solid showing on the EHT, and I think there's a pretty strong case to be made for his inclusion on this team.

In other news, goaltending is shaping up to be a bit of a conundrum. Niemi and Lehtonen look to be out of the playoffs, but have been sort of inconsistent over the season. On the other hand we also really good Euro options in Koskinen, Engren, etc. I don't know if the difference between the NHLers and the KHLers is so big that the former could just march in and get the start over the guys who go through the whole selection process through the EHT and camp, etc.

 

[JJTT]

Looks like Jokipakka can't play in AHL playoffs as he wasn't sent down before trade deadline. Good addition for the team.

 

[FiLe]

Looks like Jokipakka can't play in AHL playoffs as he wasn't sent down before trade deadline. Good addition for the team.

NHL experience or no, I don't think he'll be an automatic addition to the team. Väänänen, Kukkonen and Jaakola will take preference if they're willing to come. Then it's up to KJ if he wants to take another stay-at-home D or another type.

The way I see it, Lepistö and Hietanen are locks for top-four if healthy and willing. I don't see the Nose passing on Ristolainen either. That leaves the final slot up there a likely battle between Lindell and Näkyvä. Perhaps Salmela will feature too, despite his defensive lapses on that Sweden double (or more like 1 1/3) header. Kivistö has also been decent on EHT.

For bottom unit, there's the three usual suspects, and maybe Ohtamaa and Jalasvaara as well. Of course, some guys who are candidate for the top two pairs can also feature in the lower ones.

But yeah. Jokipakka is another solid option on the table. In total, we seem to have about 11 to 12 viable candidates to build the D on. No matter who makes the final cut, that is a good position to be in.