Finland's status and reputation in the hockey world (merged)

[Ralfduran]

Population of Finlad is twice less than population of Moscow. Off course they gonna have less talent... on offense. But if you look at defense or goaltending... I'd take Finland's depth any day.

The population of Sweden is less than the population of Moscow, as well. Culture and interest is far more important, than the number.

And yes. I prefer the finnish model. I think we all do. They also have some promising prospects on offense, so as long as Finland shows interest for the sport, they will be a force to be reckon with.

With that said. They still need to create a winner-culture. That is a problem for them. They are not winners. The same can be said about Russia (not soviet). They haven't really won anything important. I love the finns, but clearly they are still losers. They will get there one day though.

 

[DoobeeDoobeeDoo]

I have followed lot of international hockey conversations here and in other places, and I always see this same story. Lot of north americans see finland as a mid class team. Similar to swiss or so. Then when I see europeans talking about finns (even swedes) they always consider finland as one of the favourites, an opponent that is to be feared. Why is this?

Finland does go under the radar, but I wouldn't say we underrate Finland that bad. Anyone who follows international hockey knows Finland traditionally puts up better teams than Switzerland.

 

[DoobeeDoobeeDoo]

BTW, as an American, Finland is my 2nd favorite team in this tournament. Go Olli Maatta!

 

[sobrien]

I respect the hell out of the Fins. I just didn't think they had the right makeup in these Olympics...too old, too many key players injured. Any success they'd have I figured would come from Rask.


I'm glad they've proven me wrong. I'm rooting for Selanne like everyone else and Timonen as a Flyers fan.

And their future looks ridiculous too with Maatta, Barkov, Granlund, Teurovanen, Ristolanen, Kapanen, and others. I just figured this would be an off year

 

[NSHPreds1835]

I wonder if a healthy Pekka Rinne would have made Team Finland?

 

[Zybalto]

Growing up, hockey was all about the big six:

Canada, Russia, Finland, Sweden, USA, Czechs.

Some are up and down at different times but all remain a threat. Pretty sure most North American fans see it this way.

Finland has actually performed better than most and, besides medalling 3 times since NHL Olympic involvement, they were runners up at the 2004 World Cup. I'm guessing they might not be seen as a big power by some casual fans because they have never managed to win the big game.

 

[Ralfduran]

Also I do believe that one of the main reasons why they still are seen as an outsider is the fact that they emerged as a "powerhouse" first in the 90s. Before that, they were basically Switzerland on the international stage. The same could be said about USA.

I guess this is one of the reasons, it has taken time for both of these teams to find acceptence. USA has never really been seen as a threat either until 02.

 

[Crozbar]

Growing up, hockey was all about the big six:

Canada, Russia, Finland, Sweden, USA, Czechs.

Some are up and down at different times but all remain a threat. Pretty sure most North American fans see it this way.

Finland has actually performed better than most and, besides medalling 3 times since NHL Olympic involvement, they were runners up at the 2004 World Cup. I'm guessing they might not be seen as a big power by some casual fans because they have never managed to win the big game.

As a Canadian fan this is about right. I think until recently Finland has been seen as in this pack but "down" a bit; just slightly less than Russia, Canada, Sweden and USA, and in the mix with a fading Czech brand. Now Finland might be seen as stronger after eliminating Russia this Olympics.

 

[The Winter Soldier]

Finns could win the gold, and it wouldn't surprise me. If this isn't respect, not sure what is?

 

[Talon70]

I would respect the Fins more if Kurri and Tikannen were still playing.

 

[Butch 19]

I do not respect them at all, and if they play America on Sunday we will mop the floor with them.


Boom!

^^^^ that's what I'm talking about!

 

[BurgoShark]

It's not just the hockey community that disrespects Finland ... the WHOLE WORLD doesn't even call it by it's actual name.

 

[Cawz]

I do not respect them at all, and if they play America on Sunday we will mop the floor with them.


Boom!

You spelled "Saturday" incorrectly.

 

[Cawz]

The Czechs won in Nagano because they had the two best players in the world. (AINEC)

Finland routinely finishes better than Russia in the tournaments. You'd have to ignore results to not put them in the top 4.

Czechs won because they rode a hot tender, same as Finland now. Of course theres nothing wrong with that, since he's a part of the team, but if people want to ask why the disrespect, there you go. When you wait around for the other teams to make their moves and ride your goalie, people wont like it because its anti-hockey.

 

[RorschachWJK]

You spelled "Saturday" incorrectly.

*boom*

 

[Cawz]

*boom*

Yup, gotta keep the smack talk going (even though I'm not overly confident in my country's team's play thus far...)

 

[psycho_dad*]

Czechs won because they rode a hot tender, same as Finland now. Of course theres nothing wrong with that, since he's a part of the team, but if people want to ask why the disrespect, there you go. When you wait around for the other teams to make their moves and ride your goalie, people wont like it because its anti-hockey.

Russia, who you would probably consider to be a "top team" who play "proper hockey" scored 10 goals in total in 5 games.

Finland and their "anti-hockey" has scored 18 in 4 games.

Rask is not the top goalie in any stat in this tournament, it looks like Canada, Sweden and USA are "riding a hot goalie". Bob saved 2 sure goals in spectacular fashion against Finland and kept the numbers close. You'd know, had you watched.

You don't understand anything about hockey.

 

[Tripod]

FWIW, I think most North American fans who follow hockey know that Finland is one of the BIG 6 teams...with the Slovaks trying to make it 7. As for these Olympics, Finland losing all their Centers is a reason why they might not have been expected to reach the final 4.

And I can easily say that Canada is being underrated.
4-0 with 3 goals against and the only team left standing that DID beat another final 4 team.

But again, I feel that any lose against another top 6 team is not an upset. It is going to happen to one of the teams when they match up. Someone has to lose.

 

[Cawz]

Russia, who you would probably consider to be a "top team" who play "proper hockey" scored 10 goals in total in 5 games.

Finland and their "anti-hockey" has scored 18 in 4 games.

Rask is not the top goalie in any stat in this tournament, it looks like Canada, Sweden and USA are "riding a hot goalie". Bob saved 2 sure goals in spectacular fashion against Finland and kept the numbers close. You'd know, had you watched.

You don't understand anything about hockey.

Ha ha ha

Fins were outshot 65 - 37 against Russia and Canada and managed a win and an OT loss. That's riding your goalie, or riding the defensive side of your game. But sure, go ahead and quote stats vs Austria if that makes you feel better...

 

[BoHorvatFan]

The Finland fans have been throwing shade at us North Americans all tournament. We get it you're a solid hard working team but enough already.

 

[Highstyx]

I have followed lot of international hockey conversations here and in other places, and I always see this same story. Lot of north americans see finland as a mid class team. Similar to swiss or so. Then when I see europeans talking about finns (even swedes) they always consider finland as one of the favourites, an opponent that is to be feared. Why is this?

Temu Selanne is one of the best wingers in NHL History, and he is a class act. Anyone claiming the bolded doesn't know the game or it's people very well.

 

[JustGivingEr]

Finland is my favourite hockey playing European country and I always cheer for them (second to Canada of course).

 

[CBJWerenski8]

They are respected by people who know hockey, the casual fan doesn't because they aren't sexy.

 

[Cawz]

FWIW, I think most North American fans who follow hockey know that Finland is one of the BIG 6 teams...with the Slovaks trying to make it 7. As for these Olympics, Finland losing all their Centers is a reason why they might not have been expected to reach the final 4.

And I can easily say that Canada is being underrated.
4-0 with 3 goals against and the only team left standing that DID beat another final 4 team.

But again, I feel that any lose against another top 6 team is not an upset. It is going to happen to one of the teams when they match up. Someone has to lose.

Yup. Lots a parity in the world of hockey. Makes it fun...

 

[psycho_dad*]

Ha ha ha

Fins were outshot 65 - 37 against Russia and Canada and managed a win and an OT loss. That's riding your goalie, or riding the defensive side of your game. But sure, go ahead and quote stats vs Austria if that makes you feel better...

Finland scored 3 against Russia and allowed 1. Shot quality matters as well. Finland had the two best scoring chances outside of those goals. But you don't see this from the stats.

Just because you shoot a lot doesn't mean you're better. Russia was kept to the outside most of the game and this was happening a lot against Canada as well. Finland allows a lot of shots, from the perimeter. Canada deserved their win, they were able to create more quality chances than Russia was against Finland. But Finland was clearly the team in control against Russia.

You just need to understand and WATCH hockey. More than looking at shot totals and saves.