GDT: Group A - May 11 - Slovakia vs Finland

[BigBadBoar]

Kakko is the brightest prodigy I have seen for many years. His game is unbelievably mature for an 18 years old, he is fast, strong, and man, his stickhandling skills! This is not just about puck protection, it is about how smoothly and comfortably he handles the puck under whatever pressure he may be. Of course he is 18, but has the potential to become a true hockey legend once in the future.

 

[Gsus]

He's a sick boy. That's what he is.

 

[The Cannon of Tesoma]

No problem. We would lose to Finland even if they iced their U16 team. Good thing is that we played really well

Indeed. It was entertaining game and I was little bit insecure about Team Finland coming to this. Well played Slovakian brothers!

Kakko was that X-factor. Again.

 

[Hasa92]

It's not just that Kakko has 5 goals in 2 games, it's that those goals were scored against really good teams.

 

[yzerman]

Kakko hybrid between Rantanen and Matthews

 

[Hesher]

Fantastic game from Kakko, very good game from Rajala and Lankinen.

Still, the overall play form Finland is still not nearly where it needs to be.

Props to Slovakia though, they play with hearth and didn't make this easy. Could've easily gone the other way.

Any word from Daloga? I hope he's okay.

Nothing broken but a possible concussion.

Another great game, shame about the result.

 

[jj cale]

A huge leap for Finland to win the group. Next the lethargic USA and then four games against considerably weaker teams.

I wonder will the Finns get a chance to get a revenge for last year against the Swiss as I expect the Swiss finish 4th in their group.

I wouldn't count on the U.S staying lethargic, lot of talent there, they get things together and watch out.

 

[crowi]

TSN commentators even saying now he should go #1. Love it! But he better not.

Absolutely hope he doesn't. NYR looks to be on the up - I hope Kakko goes there.

 

[illone84]

I wouldn't count on the U.S staying lethargic, lot of talent there, they get things together and watch out.

canada will beat them.

 

[Zamuz]

Probably the most impressive empty netter I have ever seen

 

[FiLe]

Finland has 7 goals in two games, and 5 of them by a guy who's barely old enough to drink and drive.

E: But not at the same time, kids!

 

[kudla]

Really reminds me of 2011.. if i am correct Finland had a "weaker" team and ended up with gold

 

[jj cale]

canada will beat them.

I didn't see any evidence to suggest that in our first game.

But it was the first game of a team that has had little preparation time so I am hoping things get slowly and steadily better.

 

[Arto Kilponen]

Will be very interesting to see how Kakko handles pressures for example from Finnish media. He is all over the front page news now.

 

[Legend Leinonen]

Another good game from Marko Anttila.

 

[LemurFromTheId]

Nothing broken but a possible concussion.

Happy to hear he didn't lose a jaw or anything, that situation looked nasty as hell.

 

[DoubleGold]

Really reminds me of 2011.. if i am correct Finland had a "weaker" team and ended up with gold

Would be nice to win gold in Bratislava once again .

 

[Erikfromfin]

TSN commentators even saying now he should go #1. Love it! But he better not.

Clip it or it didnt happen

 

[sooni]

After third.. Laine WHO??

 

[Hasa92]

Really reminds me of 2011.. if i am correct Finland had a "weaker" team and ended up with gold

They have the same head coach and the tournament is held in the same country as well. Coincidence?

 

[Merya]

Slovakia has one of the best hockeycrowds in the world.

 

[Finnswiss]

Nothing broken but a possible concussion.

Another great game, shame about the result.

Yes, but if you continue playing like that I think Slovakia will reach the quarterfinal. Finland had Kaapo Kakko who made the difference, without him the game had been tied 2-2 in regular time. Very good news about your player who got so unfortunately the puck in the face.
Slovakia fought hard and thanks for the very fair game too.

 

[tobu]

Fantastic game from Kakko, very good game from Rajala and Lankinen.

Still, the overall play form Finland is still not nearly where it needs to be.

Props to Slovakia though, they play with hearth and didn't make this easy. Could've easily gone the other way.

Any word from Daloga? I hope he's okay.

6-7 stitches on cheek, undergoing scans, likely a concussion

 

[FiLe]

Really reminds me of 2011.. if i am correct Finland had a "weaker" team and ended up with gold

They have the same head coach and the tournament is held in the same country as well. Coincidence?

Another 2011 similarity: Finland had an underage star player who was all over the ice.

 

[member 305909]

Even if Finland loses against the USA still I can see Finland getting 17-18 points in this group which will be enough to win the group especially as Canada and the USA are yet to meet.