WC: 2016 Team Finland Pt. II

[rduck1]

I'm not so sure if it's really worth a laugh that some of us have been calling after most of these adjustments for a week or so.

There have been certain rather ludicrous knee-jerk outbursts that I've found thoroughly humorous, and now find even more so given the current state of affairs. So I laugh. Should be noted that those are separate from the more sensible suggestions that have been made.

On the topic of the next match, I wouldn't make any changes aside from bringing Salmela back in if he's good to go. Maybe keep adjusting the 2nd PP(Granlund's options are very limited from the spot he's in for example). Koskinen might start, and while he wouldn't be my pick, it's more or less a 50-50 selection at this point. Both goalies have played quite well.

 

[FiLe]

There have been certain rather ludicrous knee-jerk outbursts that I've found thoroughly humorous, and now find even more so given the current state of affairs. So I laugh. Should be noted that those are separate from the more sensible suggestions that have been made.

On the topic of the next match, I wouldn't make any changes aside from bringing Salmela back in if he's good to go. Maybe keep adjusting the 2nd PP(Granlund's options are very limited from the spot he's in for example). Koskinen might start, and while he wouldn't be my pick, it's more or less a 50-50 selection at this point. Both goalies have played quite well.

It *is* funny when people call for a complete reshuffling of the deck, when we're running with a clean sheet after all, and all it really requires are minor adjustments.

That being said, it is a little sad however that it took the management this long to try those little things out, as they obviously work.

On the other hand, I must give KJ some respect for managing things so that we've never really been in trouble either. Despite minor hiccups, our guys have felled the weaker opposition quite comfortably. Guess I'll take that over a situation where the lines work in a sense, but they still can't score to save their lives.

 

[Conspiracy Theorist]

I think it really depends whether Finland really wants to win it on tuesday. Just has to stay active with the puck.

 

[skillhockey]

I think it really depends whether Finland really wants to win it on tuesday. Just has to stay active with the puck.

It will be test on Jalonen, if they good, good, if not, it's on him.

 

[rduck1]

It *is* funny when people call for a complete reshuffling of the deck, when we're running with a clean sheet after all, and all it really requires are minor adjustments.

That being said, it is a little sad however that it took the management this long to try those little things out, as they obviously work.

On the other hand, I must give KJ some respect for managing things so that we've never really been in trouble either. Despite minor hiccups, our guys have felled the weaker opposition quite comfortably. Guess I'll take that over a situation where the lines work in a sense, but they still can't score to save their lives.

Yeah, like I said before, he's a touch too conservative for my tastes as well. At the same time, I think it has in fact served the team well this time around. The players knew they had some time to settle into the rhythm and flow of their linemates without too much concern for getting demoted, and lo and behold, they all developed a nice "identity" around a two-player nucleus(while the "third wheels" got juggled around eventually, and perhaps also had an easier time adapting to a "stable" unit). The fourth doesn't quite fit into this model, but then again it's also the only unit that has seen more than one change, I think.

So, while his conservatism might drive us to the brink of insanity, let us also keep in mind that it also has its merits .

 

[BB88]

Wow. Everything is working so well right now. Well done KJ, you terrible, terrible coach .

Canada game is the 1st real test and don't know how fans could be happy with his decisions so far, it's taken him too long to make changes, and still should make changes.

Rantanen needs to stay on the 4th line, something many have wanted to see from the start,
hoping Saros gets the start against Canada, he has been calm and 2 shutouts, cant ask for more, need to create a battle for that #1 spot.
In the faceoffs need to start using snipers, no reason to use Laine near the corner, and Laine to Lw, his biggest weapons are going wasted on the right side.
Jokinens game doesn't change at all whether he plays Lw or Rw.

 

[rduck1]

Canada game is the 1st real test and don't know how fans could be happy with his decisions so far, it's taken him too long to make changes, and still should make changes.

Rantanen needs to stay on the 4th line, something many have wanted to see from the start,
hoping Saros gets the start against Canada, he has been calm and 2 shutouts, cant ask for more, need to create a battle for that #1 spot.
In the faceoffs need to start using snipers, no reason to use Laine near the corner, and Laine to Lw, his biggest weapons are going wasted on the right side.
Jokinens game doesn't change at all whether he plays Lw or Rw.

Here are my reasons for being happy:

• The team is undefeated, the only such team aside from Canada. Second best in goal-difference.
• There are no glaring issues with the team. All lines and special teams are working, and we have two good goalies.
• The team is playing an entertaining brand of hockey without compromising their defense.

So, there's plenty to be happy about, and I think at least some of that is thanks to his decisions. I also can't comprehend what exactly is going to waste, considering Laine is the scoring leader for the whole tournament at the moment(and the whole line is in the top-10). So yeah, he took an extra game or two to make a few lineup adjustments -- that's a fair point -- but aside from that, I think he's done a good job.

 

[illone84]

Here are my reasons for being happy:

• The team is undefeated, the only such team aside from Canada. Second best in goal-difference.
• There are no glaring issues with the team. All lines and special teams are working, and we have two good goalies.
• The team is playing an entertaining brand of hockey without compromising their defense.

So, there's plenty to be happy about, and I think at least some of that is thanks to his decisions. I also can't comprehend what exactly is going to waste, considering Laine is the scoring leader for the whole tournament at the moment(and the whole line is in the top-10). So yeah, he took an extra game or two to make a few lineup adjustments -- that's a fair point -- but aside from that, I think he's done a good job.

The only real problem that I had was Rantanen not playing, and Saros not starting enough games.
All of that changed today. Was a great showing. But then again, I'm afraid that after the second period the Slovaks didn't have any gas left in the tank.

Tuesday will be a great game, but I'm afraid Finland will lose it. Either way, better to lose the only game against a top team like Canada, and in the round robin for that matter. On the other hand, if Canada loses, Finland will have a harder road to gold, and more than likely won't be able to beat Canada twice in one tournament-if they make it that far.

I don't know about you guys, but as long as Russia gets at least 2 pts out of Sweden (OT win or Shoot out win), and Finland loses against Canada, Finland will play Sweden in the qf, and a win would more than likely mean a semi against CZE/USA/SVK.

IMHO, that fits Finland better than meeting Switzerland in the qf, and Russia in the semi final.

 

[LOFIN]

Here are my reasons for being happy:

• There are no glaring issues with the team. All lines and special teams are working, and we have two good goalies.

Nice to meet you Kari. Are you ****ing kidding me? I didn't see this match, but so far the lines have done anything but clicked together. Also the PP has been atrocious since the Germany game though again, I didn't see how well that fared today. 50% so I guess it will do.

Before this match we have lost so much potential with this squad of players it's not even funny. How long did it take for Jalonen to put Laine on his right wing? How long did it take to realise that a sniper isn't a viable option in the 4th line? How long did it take to get Rantanen in, who in his first game has (from what I've heard and seen) show almost more credentials to be in the line up, let alone in a better position than a 4th line winger (which he played excelent today I've heard).

Jalonen is a good coach, I admit that. But his merits are at a club leve. Does he know how to handle a national team? With these resources so far it hasn't been exactly convincing.

 

[Conspiracy Theorist]

The only real problem that I had was Rantanen not playing, and Saros not starting enough games.
All of that changed today. Was a great showing. But then again, I'm afraid that after the second period the Slovaks didn't have any gas left in the tank.

Tuesday will be a great game, but I'm afraid Finland will lose it. Either way, better to lose the only game against a top team like Canada, and in the round robin for that matter. On the other hand, if Canada loses, Finland will have a harder road to gold, and more than likely won't be able to beat Canada twice in one tournament-if they make it that far.

I don't know about you guys, but as long as Russia gets at least 2 pts out of Sweden (OT win or Shoot out win), and Finland loses against Canada, Finland will play Sweden in the qf, and a win would more than likely mean a semi against CZE/USA/SVK.

IMHO, that fits Finland better than meeting Switzerland in the qf, and Russia in the semi final.

We have to hope Canada beats Finland. I think it's better to face Russia in the semis than in the finals in their home arena.

 

[FiLe]

Before this match we have lost so much potential with this squad of players it's not even funny. How long did it take for Jalonen to put Laine on his right wing? How long did it take to realise that a sniper isn't a viable option in the 4th line? How long did it take to get Rantanen in, who in his first game has (from what I've heard and seen) show almost more credentials to be in the line up, let alone in a better position than a 4th line winger (which he played excelent today I've heard).

PP still looks far from optimal, that's true. And Laine, btw, is still at RW. So the answer to this question is, "he never did". Then there's of course Jalonen ruining Pulkkinen's tournament by horribly mismanaging him. Luckily that only seemed to happen at the expense of Pulkkinen himself, not at the expense of the entire squad.

However, going into the final game of the group stage with a clean sheet and one that's essentially been achieved with zero nail-biters is something to applaud regardless. It's certainly not something that happens every year.

Of course, whether this team really is geared right to take on another giant is a whole another matter altogether. Guess we'll see on Tuesday.

 

[illone84]

We have to hope Canada beats Finland. I think it's better to face Russia in the semis than in the finals in their home arena.

On the other hand, personally, I would rather have Russia vs Canada battle it out in a semi final, and watch Finland get revenge against the Czechs for last year's quarter final exit.

Let's just say that I'm obviously cheering for Finland on Tuesday, but I won't be even a little bit upset if Suomi loses to the great old Kanada, as beating Canada would mean that Finland will be forced to sweep the entire tournament in order to win gold, which IMO is a long shot.

 

[snipes]

We have to hope Canada beats Finland. I think it's better to face Russia in the semis than in the finals in their home arena.

Ironically, we would rather face Russia for Gold with everything on the line.

But if you guys want to knock Russia out and have a Canada v Finland Gold medal game, that works for me

 

[illone84]

Ironically, we would rather face Russia for Gold with everything on the line.

But if you guys want to knock Russia out and have a Canada v Finland Gold medal game, that works for me

Finland would lose against Russia in the semi. I would rather have Canada beat Russia, and let's make it a Finland vs Canada final

 

[snipes]

Finland would lose against Russia in the semi. I would rather have Canada beat Russia, and let's make it a Finland vs Canada final

I feel like you guys would beat Russia in the semis and we would lose to them in the semis. We would beat Russia in the Gold medal game, but you guys would lose the Gold medal game to them.

How about we meet in the middle and you guys beat Russia then we play for Gold . It would be a phenomenal game. I know we aren't underestimating the Finns at all here in Canada.

p.s.: Is it too late to give Barkov Canadian citizenship?

 

[illone84]

I feel like you guys would beat Russia in the semis and we would lose to them in the semis. We would beat Russia in the Gold medal game, but you guys would lose the Gold medal game to them.

How about we meet in the middle and you guys beat Russia then we play for Gold . It would be a phenomenal game. I know we aren't underestimating the Finns at all here in Canada.

p.s.: Is it too late to give Barkov Canadian citizenship?

AHAHAH I wish! I mean Finland did it in 2007 with a mediocre team against a stacked Russia team in Moscow, but I just can't get 2014 Minsk out of my mind. And of course, Russia adding Ovi and co makes them extra scary.

 

[snipes]

AHAHAH I wish! I mean Finland did it in 2007 with a mediocre team against a stacked Russia team in Moscow, but I just can't get 2014 Minsk out of my mind. And of course, Russia adding Ovi and co makes them extra scary.

Yeah they're tough. We have a long history with Russia in hockey, we love playing them. Sometimes they win, sometimes we win. We own them in best-on-best. While this tournament isn't best-on-best, I always want to play Russia for Gold in any hockey event (but playing Finland would be awesome at this event).

We don't get scared of the Russians, it's more of a challenge that brings out the best qualities of Canadian people. We don't back down from a fight. Ever.

The Finns are emerging into the superpower category with Canada and Russia soon. But first you guys need to win a best-on-best event before you get into that category. However, you've certainly earned lots of respect recently. I know Canadians think very highly of Finnish hockey, especially recently.

I don't think there are any two countries in the world that are as passionate about hockey right now than the Finns and Canadians are. We live and breathe hockey just like you do. Our winters are even colder than yours .

 

[illone84]

Yeah they're tough. We have a long history with Russia in hockey, we love playing them. Sometimes they win, sometimes we win. We own them in best-on-best. While this tournament isn't best-on-best, I always want to play Russia for Gold in any hockey event (but playing Finland would be awesome at this event).

We don't get scared of the Russians, it's more of a challenge that brings out the best qualities of Canadian people. We don't back down from a fight. Ever.

The Finns are emerging into the superpower category with Canada and Russia soon. But first you guys need to win a best-on-best event before you get into that category. However, you've certainly earned lots of respect recently. I know Canadians think very highly of Finnish hockey, especially recently.

I don't think there are any two countries in the world that are as passionate about hockey right now than the Finns and Canadians are. We live and breathe hockey just like you do. Our winters are even colder than yours .

Talking about cold winters. Hhahaha especially in Northern Alberta. That place is freezing!

Ye, definitely, man. Well, Finland actually hasn't lost best on best to Russia since the semi-final in the Nagano Olympics, 1998.


2002: Round robin was a win for Finland.

2006 Semi-Final win.

2010- never played

2014 quarter final win




btw- russia has never won anything best-on-best. They have come as close as Finland has, losing in the gold medal olympic game.

 

[snipes]

Talking about cold winters. Hhahaha especially in Northern Alberta. That place is freezing!

Ye, definitely, man. Well, Finland actually hasn't lost best on best to Russia since the semi-final in the Nagano Olympics, 1998.


2002: Round robin was a win for Finland.

2006 Semi-Final win.

2010- never played

2014 quarter final win




btw- russia has never won anything best-on-best.

Yes, Northern Alberta is freezing . Makes us a different breed of tough as they say. But we get to play on the outdoor rinks lots which is nice.

Actually, the Finns have done very well since NHL players have been allowed to play in the Olympics. 4 medals in 5 Olympic games.

You don't need to convince me about Finnish hockey. I'm a huge fan and watch you guys play every game, the Finns are about to become a superpower in hockey very soon.

 

[illone84]

Yes, Northern Alberta is freezing . Makes us a different breed of tough as they say. But we get to play on the outdoor rinks lots which is nice.

Actually, the Finns have done very well since NHL players have been allowed to play in the Olympics. 4 medals in 5 Olympic games.

You don't need to convince me about Finnish hockey. I'm a huge fan and watch you guys play every game, the Finns are about to become a superpower in hockey very soon.

No convincing here. Just saying that normally Finland would have an equal chance against Russia in the WHC, but Finland is not Canada, so biased refs will result in a Finland loss.

 

[snipes]

No convincing here. Just saying that normally Finland would have an equal chance against Russia in the WHC, but Finland is not Canada, so biased refs will result in a Finland loss.

Put Barkov down low on the cycle game. Hard to take penalties when you have the puck the whole time.

 

[illone84]

Put Barkov down low on the cycle game. Hard to take penalties when you have the puck the whole time.

LOL. He looked pretty good today, no?

 

[snipes]

LOL. He looked pretty good today, no?

Yes!

Barkov is unreal. He's the best Finnish player in the world right now. He's so good in both ends of the ice, he's excellent defensively and so strong on the puck battles.

Barkov is the type of #1 C you build a team around. I've watched nearly every game of the WHC, Barkov has been the best overall player from my viewings.

 

[BB88]

Here are my reasons for being happy:

• The team is undefeated, the only such team aside from Canada. Second best in goal-difference.
• There are no glaring issues with the team. All lines and special teams are working, and we have two good goalies.
• The team is playing an entertaining brand of hockey without compromising their defense.

So, there's plenty to be happy about, and I think at least some of that is thanks to his decisions. I also can't comprehend what exactly is going to waste, considering Laine is the scoring leader for the whole tournament at the moment(and the whole line is in the top-10). So yeah, he took an extra game or two to make a few lineup adjustments -- that's a fair point -- but aside from that, I think he's done a good job.

If we want a medal these games has to be won, Canada game will give us better answers but so far Jalonen has made lot of mistakes which can be costly in must win games.
With this defense+ goaltending everything needs to click and so far it hasn't.

Yes!

Barkov is unreal. He's the best Finnish player in the world right now. He's so good in both ends of the ice, he's excellent defensively and so strong on the puck battles.

Barkov is the type of #1 C you build a team around. I've watched nearly every game of the WHC, Barkov has been the best overall player from my viewings.

You know Snipes I'm already dying because of tuesdays Canada game, I really have no idea how we can beat that team

 

[snipes]

You know Snipes I'm already dying because of tuesdays Canada game, I really have no idea how we can beat that team

I wouldn't be surprised at all if you guys beat us. I'd say it's a 50/50 game. This is why it's so exciting, no one knows who will win. There's no favourite in this game.

You guys have forwards that can compete with our forward lines and any team at this tournament. I honestly have no idea who will win on Tuesday, I know that it will be a battle though. The Finns are looking really strong especially at forward.

You guys have also played very strong defensively giving up low shot totals each game. The real test will be how your D holds up on the forecheck. But we have our own question marks at D as well.

I can't wait .