World Cup: 2016 World Cup — Team Finland

[ValeriKamensky]

My opinion on 16 players, who will be selected in roster before 1st March.

Rask, Niemi

Vatanen, Ristolainen, Maata, Jokypakka

Koivu, Granlund, Barkov, Komarov, Teravainen, Donskoi, Filppula, Jokinen, Lehtera, Haula

 

[illone84]

My opinion on 16 players, who will be selected in roster before 1st March.

Rask, Niemi

Vatanen, Ristolainen, Maata, Jokypakka

Koivu, Granlund, Barkov, Komarov, Teravainen, Donskoi, Filppula, Jokinen, Lehtera, Haula

IMO, Haula is the perfect #4th line center for the WC.

He is pretty darn fast, has picked up his faceoff % wins, and plays this role pretty well with the wild (well between 3rd and 4th line center), not to mention his offensive abilities are not too bad. I would take him over Joonas Kemppainen, which many people are predicting to make the team.

 

[Erikfromfin]

THN take on roster with Aaltonen ofcourse
http://www.thehockeynews.com/blog/projected-world-cup-2016-roster-team-finland/

 

[FinProspects]

Yeah, interesting to see if any of our WJC gold medalists make the team. The odds are not in their favour, but anything can happen. For example Laine went from Mestis-player to national team in a year.

Rantanen might have the best chance.

 

[FiLe]

THN take on roster with Aaltonen ofcourse
http://www.thehockeynews.com/blog/projected-world-cup-2016-roster-team-finland/

It's easy to see Haula slotting in before Kontiola and/or Aaltonen, and also, one of Pakarinen, Pulkkinen or Salomäki might just be preferred before the other.

But given how clueless these NA-based predictions usually are, it's a decent effort. Of course, the writer admits he did consult a Finn, so I guess that lessens the surprise.

For what it's worth, I still hope that Marjamäki figures to take this tournament for what it is, and rather than picking the team that might be the absolute best "right now", instead goes for a group that could seem likely for 2018. I don't mean he should pick Laine and Puljujärvi if they aren't fully there yet, but he should go for someone like Lindbohm instead Lepistö, Kukkonen or some other euro workhorse.

 

[Gaps]

I think Kukkonen's going to be there no matter what, but if Pitkänen can play, we can leave out both Lepistö and Hietanen. Obviously this decision shouldn't be made just yet.

 

[rduck1]

For what it's worth, I still hope that Marjamäki figures to take this tournament for what it is, and rather than picking the team that might be the absolute best "right now", instead goes for a group that could seem likely for 2018. I don't mean he should pick Laine and Puljujärvi if they aren't fully there yet, but he should go for someone like Lindbohm instead Lepistö, Kukkonen or some other euro workhorse.

I'd also like either the World Cup or the WHC to be more open to young and emerging players, and I think we've already seem something to that effect happen with KJ in charge. I don't think this is the year for that to ramp up though -- with the coaching change and the relative competitiveness and importance of the two tournaments yet to be determined both Jalonen and Marjamäki will be unlikely to take too many chances with their rosters. It would be a lot to risk to take on just for developmental purposes(which neither will be likely to benefit much from personally), but in future years when there are multiple tournaments, I think one should be utilized in a more forward-facing manner.

 

[FiLe]

I don't think this is the year for that to ramp up though -- with the coaching change and the relative competitiveness and importance of the two tournaments yet to be determined both Jalonen and Marjamäki will be unlikely to take too many chances with their rosters.

There's nothing important about the World Cup - it's exhibition. Of course, that's just in my mind and I'm well aware I can't force my views on the entire world.

That being said, should they approach this monstrosity seriously, I doubt anyone would still be saying Marjamäki should lose his job even if they finish dead last. Which just brings us back to the point of it being wise to use the opportunity to prep for the main event of his tenure, the 2018 OG. (If we are to assume the NHL is going to participate, that is.)

 

[rduck1]

There's nothing important about the World Cup - it's exhibition. Of course, that's just in my mind and I'm well aware I can't force my views on the entire world.

Oh, I agree completely. It's a total joke of tournament and I wouldn't mind it if they sent an amateur team, but the circumstances being what they are I think they'll approach it seriously. It will be the first tournament for Marjamäki as head coach, so I think he'll try to get his project off on a high note. It's important to make a good first impression on the fanbase after all, and some people will inevitably take it seriously(plus you just know the press is going to have a field day if some big names are left off and the team underperforms). I think it'll be quite important to start off with a positive result, since a perceived failure could set the tone for the rest of his tenure.

 

[FiLe]

It's important to make a good first impression on the fanbase after all, and some people will inevitably take it seriously(plus you just know the press is going to have a field day if some big names are left off and the team underperforms).

Most if not all of the "big names" would still be there, since they're still relevant for 2018 as well. What I mostly mean is the choice between aging eurostars and those on-the-brink AHLers who will likely be NHL regulars in two years' time, and I hope they veer for the latter. It's hard to see the press wailing too much either if it's guys like Rantanen, Kapanen and Lindbohm instead of Kontiola, Aaltonen and Kukkonen. Heh, it's not like they're huge fan favorites either. Besides, it would be easy to excuse it further since it's a small ice tournament.

If the euro regulars are still relevant when Pyeongchang rolls around, they have ample time to display it in NT events on the home continent. For the new blood, this might be the only time between then and there.

 

[rduck1]

Rantanen, Kapanen and Lindbohm instead of Kontiola, Aaltonen and Kukkonen. .

Sure, those types are no problemo. I was thinking more along the lines of young players from Liiga(Aho, Saarela, Laine, Puljujärvi etc.) in place of the declining vets like Ruutu or players with limited and well known ability like Salomäki or Kemppainen. I do want to see those kinds of options explored in the future though, and an exhibition tourney seems like the perfect opportunity.

 

[De Montreal]

Why isnt this sticked?

I'm cheering for Pitkanen to make the team! that would be a great story

 

[FiLe]

Why isnt this sticked?

Likely because not one of the others are either.

Those threads stuck on top of the forum relate to the World Championship teams this spring. This is Finland's World Cup thread.


The reason there isn't a World Championships thread for Finland seems to be that no one's bothered to make one yet. If the lack of a stuck thread bothers you, feel free.

 

[De Montreal]

Likely because none of the others are either.

Those threads stuck on top of the forum relate to the World Championship teams this spring. This is Finland's World Cup thread.


The reason there isn't a World Championships thread for Finland likely is that no one's bothered to make one yet. If the lack of a stuck thread bothers you, feel free.

Wow, I get it now

I was confused for a second

 

[illone84]

Really impressed with Haula's play as of late.

Bearing no injuries, the centre depth is looking nice for this team!

Barkov, Koivu, Lehterä, Haula! Nice!

6 points in 6 games for Erik, might even get one more point tonight!

 

[illone84]

Really impressed with Haula's play as of late.

Bearing no injuries, the centre depth is looking nice for this team!

Barkov, Koivu, Lehterä, Haula! Nice!

7 points in 5 games for Erik, might even get one more point tonight!

Sorry to quote myself, but Erik Haula with 2 apples and a goal tonight!

Not to mention NHL second star of the week

 

[Snaibberi]

Jokinen - Barkov - Rantanen
Komarov - Koivu - Granlund
Donskoi - Lehterä - Armia
Filppula - Haula - Korpikoski
Teräväinen

Ristolainen - Vatanen
Määttä - Jokipakka
Honka - Pokka
Lindell

Rinne
Rask
Korpisalo

 

[teravaineSAROS]

Jokinen - Barkov - Rantanen
Komarov - Koivu - Granlund
Donskoi - Lehterä - Armia
Filppula - Haula - Korpikoski
Teräväinen

Ristolainen - Vatanen
Määttä - Jokipakka
Honka - Pokka
Lindell

Rinne
Rask
Korpisalo

what's your reasoning behind having Armia in the lineup ahead of Teräväinen and Pulkkinen? would also like to hear about having Honka and Pokka ahead of Lindell, Lindbohm, Kukkonen, Lepistö and Hietanen?

 

[Snaibberi]

what's your reasoning behind having Armia in the lineup ahead of Teräväinen and Pulkkinen? would also like to hear about having Honka and Pokka ahead of Lindell, Lindbohm, Kukkonen, Lepistö and Hietanen?

Kukkonen, Lepistö and Hietanen are useless. Have been that for years now. They have been in teams, just because there hasnt been better choices. Now that we have choices they are gone. Pokka was better than those 3 when playing in Liiga and i dont think that AHL have made him worse. Time to step in the future with our national team and this is the way it is done. Teräväinen is in the team, so is Lindell. Pulkkinen was first one to drop out, but he is still a good option. Armia is ahead of him, because of the size and versatility.

 

[Eye of Ra]

Jokinen - Barkov - Komarov
Granlund - Koivu - Filppula
Teräväinen - Lehterä - Donskoi
Granlund - Haula - Armia

Ristolainen - Vatanen
Määttä - Jokipakka
Lepistö - Hietanen

Rinne
Rask
Korpisalo

 

[illone84]

]Kukkonen, Lepistö and Hietanen[/B] are useless. Have been that for years now. They have been in teams, just because there hasnt been better choices. Now that we have choices they are gone. Pokka was better than those 3 when playing in Liiga and i dont think that AHL have made him worse. Time to step in the future with our national team and this is the way it is done. Teräväinen is in the team, so is Lindell. Pulkkinen was first one to drop out, but he is still a good option. Armia is ahead of him, because of the size and versatility.

Care to explain how these guys are useless?

I would take one of them and it would be Lepistö, but I wouldnt say all three are "useless."

Example, look at Sami's stats this season: 30 pts in 60 games, 11 goals, 19 assists, + 12.

 

[Gaps]

With the utmost likelihood, Kukkonen is going to turn out to be too slow, but he's still going to be on the team, and at least he's got NHL experience, as does Lepistö. However, if our team management is really serious about this tournament (which they are, even if we aren't), they need to leave Hietanen out. He's never played against NHL players in the small rink (has he ever even played in the small rink to begin with?), and frankly hasn't done all that well against them even on the big ice. I'd honestly rather take a talented young AHL dman like Lindell.

Aaand now that I wrote this about Hietanen, his name will show up on the preliminary roster list tomorrow

Here are my picks for D (part prediction, part my own preference): Määttä, RR, Vatanen, Jokipakka, Lindell, Kukkonen, Lepistö. Not sure how many D they'll have on the list tomorrow.

 

[FiLe]

Here are my picks for D (part prediction, part my own preference): Määttä, RR, Vatanen, Jokipakka, Lindell, Kukkonen, Lepistö. Not sure how many D they'll have on the list tomorrow.

My prediction's pretty much the same, though preference would however be Lindbohm over Kukkonen. He's gonna be an NHL regular by 2018. Given that they likely take eight, it's gotta be him to complete the list.

 

[Raimo Sillanpää]

First selections made:

Tuukka Rask
Pekka Rinne

Esa Lindell
Olli Määttä
Rasmus Ristolainen
Sami Vatanen

Aleksander Barkov
Joonas Donskoi
Valtteri Filppula
Mikael Granlund
Jussi Jokinen
Mikko Koivu
Leo Komarov
Lauri Korpikoski
Jori Lehterä
Teuvo Teräväinen

Lindell only surprise at this point

 

[FinPanda]

Only surprise about Lindell that he was chosen at this point already. Maybe I would have picked Haula before Korpikoski and Jokipakka before Lindell.