WC: Quarterfinal Pre-Game Talk
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Uncle Rotter
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This is the schedule on the IIHF site
22 May, Thu 16:00 GMT+3 Chizhovka Arena USAUnited States vs Czech RepublicCZE
22 May, Thu 17:00 GMT+3 Minsk Arena RUSRussia vs FranceFRA
22 May, Thu 20:00 GMT+3 Chizhovka Arena CANCanada vs FinlandFIN
22 May, Thu 21:00 GMT+3 Minsk Arena SWESweden vs BelarusBLR
22 May, Thu 16:00 GMT+3 Chizhovka Arena USAUnited States vs Czech RepublicCZE
22 May, Thu 17:00 GMT+3 Minsk Arena RUSRussia vs FranceFRA
22 May, Thu 20:00 GMT+3 Chizhovka Arena CANCanada vs FinlandFIN
22 May, Thu 21:00 GMT+3 Minsk Arena SWESweden vs BelarusBLR
JackSlater
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- Apr 27, 2010
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I'm leaning toward a Finland win over Canada. This is the least talented Canadian team in quite some time, and in particular some of the defencemen are not so great when it comes to agility or hockey sense. Finland usually plays a very good team game (Canada seems okay in this area this year, but they are young) and Rinne could definitely stonewall this level of Canadian offence. Neither result would surprise me in the least.
This could be exact definition of Finland too, you know. Least talented in a while (which tells a lot, since we don't have a ton of individual talent to begin with), and the defense is just too little to cut it on this level. The team play's been lacking too, as the group just doesn't have what it takes to play in the manner the management wishes.
Rinne has been rock solid, so there's that, but all the other qualities usually associated with Finland have been present sporadically at best.
JackSlater
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I've only been able to see one game (bits of a few others) unfortunately, but a big factor is that Canada's goaltending seems to be mediocre at best so far. Right or wrong, I feel that Canada needs the big talent edge much more than Finland does. Canada wins internationally not really because of teamwork or tactics generally, but just a talent edge. That edge isn't very big with this team. Finland may have a less talented team than usual, but I am guessing that some of their structural strengths are still intact. It's all a guess from me, and maybe not even a good one since I haven't seen one second of gameplay by Finland.
I'm unfortunately not very optimistic for Finland against Canada. I'm afraid Finland can only win if Pekka Rinne shows "Superman" skills in the reflexes and moves. But as "Superman" exist only in the film, it's a very difficult task for Finland.
I hope they can avoid as much as possible the penalties. But exactly this could happen if the Canadiens put the finnish defense under pressure with their skating and technical skills.
I think for this finnish team the quarterfinal is the maximum, though I root for them. But Finland finally advanced only to the quarterfinal with the help of Switzerland. If the Swiss had won the SO, they would be in quarterfinal instead of Finland.
But may be a kind of miracle will happen and Finland can very surprisingly beat Canada, though Canada is the clear favourite.
I hope they can avoid as much as possible the penalties. But exactly this could happen if the Canadiens put the finnish defense under pressure with their skating and technical skills.
I think for this finnish team the quarterfinal is the maximum, though I root for them. But Finland finally advanced only to the quarterfinal with the help of Switzerland. If the Swiss had won the SO, they would be in quarterfinal instead of Finland.
But may be a kind of miracle will happen and Finland can very surprisingly beat Canada, though Canada is the clear favourite.
Do not be so sure.
If you have managed to watch any of Canada's games yet you would be able to see that despite their record they are not a well oiled machine by any means.
They have some holes in there game and they can be exposed.
Unless a miracle occurs, we won't have any chance in the qf against canada.
I've watched my fair share of these tourneys, and this is the very first time I truly feel we have no chance.
The thing the north-americans are not considering is that behind our success is always our top guys from the europe(with a few important nhlers). This time it's a whole bunch of call-ups since top guys were not available
I'd be shocked if this game turned out to be a contest. I can't ****ing imagine our co-op(dump in hockey) hockey, will work against d-man who make millions for quick decisions with the puck in their own end.
Rinne will propably be the only reason this game will appear to be 'close'.
I've watched my fair share of these tourneys, and this is the very first time I truly feel we have no chance.
The thing the north-americans are not considering is that behind our success is always our top guys from the europe(with a few important nhlers). This time it's a whole bunch of call-ups since top guys were not available
I'd be shocked if this game turned out to be a contest. I can't ****ing imagine our co-op(dump in hockey) hockey, will work against d-man who make millions for quick decisions with the puck in their own end.
Rinne will propably be the only reason this game will appear to be 'close'.
WinTheRightGames
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- Jan 7, 2014
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If this team beat Canada, it would be quite a miracle. I don't think Finland has ever eliminated Canada before.
IceBlacks
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- Dec 17, 2013
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Without Rinne Finland would have lost EVERY game except vs Germany. Canada has been more or less strong in its games but they should outplay our weak defence easily and Finnish offence shouldn't be able to do anything in Canada's zone.
I think it's 4-1, 4-2 for Canada.
Or Reimer puts on the Maple Leafs' -mode and it's 3-0 Finland after 1st period.
This is the worst Finnish national team in decades in WC. I've never wanted so much this team to fail completely. Win us, ok?
I think it's 4-1, 4-2 for Canada.
Or Reimer puts on the Maple Leafs' -mode and it's 3-0 Finland after 1st period.
This is the worst Finnish national team in decades in WC. I've never wanted so much this team to fail completely. Win us, ok?
Have you seen Finland play in this tournament? Aside from goaltending, the only thing that team has is holes. 3 lines worth of grinders, 16 first-timers most of whom should not play in this tournament under any circumstances, subpar team play, strange strategy, questionable leadership, etc, you name it.
1Gold Standard
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- Jun 13, 2012
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I have to agree with you there, Jack! But it takes a combination of teamwork, tactics and talent to win + the will to win. By will I mean which player on Team Canada will take a puck in the face to win the Skoda Invitational? It's that lack of will which has caused us 4 straight 1/4 final flame outs...
Tomorrow's game and go either way...I won't be surprised by either outcome.
I agree with you, I'm actually kind of supporting Belarus tomorrow for that reason, plus that I get the '02 vibes
I think the only think that is worthy mentioning is Pekka Rinne, who has been very good so far. Having the opportunity to see Finland at this tournament, I don't see what else could stop Canada. On paper it looks like likely a close match-up, but in reality it shouldn't be. I doubt that we have seen Canada at their play-off level, not even against Sweden IMO. I expect the best game from the team now, when the playoffs start.
WinTheRightGames
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- Jan 7, 2014
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I'm happy we didn't break our half century long record of making quarterfinals. All after this is just gravy. Frankly Finland has no business in quarterfinals, but let's roll with it.
Excuse me Sir?
31 KOSKINEN Mikko L 200/6'7'' 87/192 18 Jul 1988 Sibir Novosibirsk
32 SAROS Juuse L 179/5'10'' 82/181 19 Apr 1995 HPK Hameenlinna
35 RINNE Pekka L 196/6'5'' 89/196 3 Nov 1982 Nashville Predators
Defenders
5 OHTAMAA Atte L 188/6'2'' 92/203 6 Nov 1987 Karpat Oulu
6 KIVISTO Tommi L 186/6'1'' 89/196 7 Jun 1991 Ilves Tampere
10 KARALAHTI Jere R 188/6'2'' 95/209 25 Mar 1975 Jokerit Helsinki
18 MANTYLA Tuukka L 173/5'8'' 82/181 25 May 1981 Metallurg Novokuznetsk
28 MARTTINEN Jyri L 182/6'0'' 87/192 1 Sep 1982 Assat Pori
38 HIETANEN Juuso R 180/5'11'' 85/187 14 Jun 1985 Torpedo Nizhni Novgorod
47 LAJUNEN Ville R 184/6'0'' 84/185 8 Mar 1988 Farjestad Karlstad
Forwards
12 JOKINEN Olli L 189/6'2'' 95/209 5 Dec 1978 Winnipeg Jets
13 WIRTANEN Petteri L 186/6'1'' 93/205 28 May 1986 Donbass Donetsk
19 SAVINAINEN Veli-Matti L 181/5'11'' 77/170 5 Jan 1986 Yugra Khanty-Mansisk
21 LEHTERA Jori L 189/6'2'' 96/212 23 Dec 1987 Sibir Novosibirsk
22 SALOMAKI Miikka L 180/5'11'' 90/198 9 Mar 1993 Milwaukee Admirals
25 JORMAKKA Pekka R 174/5'9'' 80/176 14 Sep 1990 Tappara Tampere
26 IMMONEN Jarkko R 186/6'1'' 96/212 19 Apr 1982 Torpedo Nizhni Novgorod
27 KONTIOLA Petri R 182/6'0'' 92/203 4 Oct 1984 Traktor Chelyabinsk
34 PALOLA Olli R 179/5'10'' 80/176 8 Apr 1988 Tappara Tampere
40 SALLINEN Tomi L 184/6'0'' 80/176 11 Feb 1989 Espoo Blues
42 SALLINEN Jere L 187/6'2'' 91/201 26 Oct 1990 Orebro HK
56 HAULA Erik L 180/5'11'' 85/187 23 Mar 1991 Minnesota Wild
61 HUHTALA Tommi L 183/6'0'' 87/192 7 Dec 1987 Espoo Blues
71 KOMAROV Leo L 180/5'11'' 90/198 23 Jan 1987 Dynamo Moscow
81 PAKARINEN Iiro R 185/6'1'' 90/198 25 Aug 1991 IFK Helsinki
30 SCRIVENS Ben L 188/6'2'' 88/194 11 Sep 1986 Edmonton Oilers
34 REIMER James L 188/6'2'' 95/209 15 Mar 1988 Toronto Maple Leafs
35 PETERS Justin L 185/6'1'' 96/212 30 Aug 1986 Carolina Hurricanes
Defenders
3 BIEKSA Kevin R 185/6'1'' 90/198 16 Jun 1981 Vancouver Canucks
4 ELLIS Ryan R 178/5'10'' 80/176 3 Jan 1991 Nashville Predators
5 GARRISON Jason L 188/6'2'' 99/218 13 Nov 1984 Vancouver Canucks
24 RIELLY Morgan L 185/6'1'' 93/205 9 Mar 1994 Toronto Maple Leafs
27 COBURN Braydon L 192/6'4'' 100/220 27 Feb 1985 Philadelphia Flyers
44 GUDBRANSON Erik R 195/6'5'' 98/216 7 Jan 1992 Florida Panthers
57 MYERS Tyler R 203/6'8'' 103/227 1 Feb 1990 Buffalo Sabres
Forwards
7 TURRIS Kyle R 185/6'1'' 77/170 14 Aug 1989 Ottawa Senators
10 SCHENN Brayden L 185/6'1'' 86/190 22 Aug 1991 Philadelphia Flyers
11 HUBERDEAU Jonathan L 185/6'1'' 86/190 4 Jun 1993 Florida Panthers
14 BURROWS Alex L 185/6'1'' 86/190 11 Apr 1981 Vancouver Canucks
19 HODGSON Cody R 183/6'0'' 83/183 18 Feb 1990 Buffalo Sabres
20 BROUWER Troy R 191/6'3'' 97/214 17 Aug 1985 Washington Capitals
21 READ Matt R 183/6'0'' 85/187 14 Jun 1986 Philadelphia Flyers
23 MONAHAN Sean L 188/6'2'' 84/185 12 Oct 1994 Calgary Flames
25 CHIMERA Jason L 190/6'3'' 97/214 2 May 1979 Washington Capitals
29 MACKINNON Nathan R 183/6'0'' 83/183 1 Sep 1995 Colorado Avalanche
42 WARD Joel R 186/6'1'' 103/227 2 Dec 1980 Washington Capitals
43 KADRI Nazem L 183/6'0'' 86/190 6 Oct 1990 Toronto Maple Leafs
55 SCHEIFELE Mark R 188/6'2'' 89/196 15 Mar 1993 Winnipeg Jets
On ice it may be quite close match-up after all, but on paper Finland is doomed.
Canadians are generally underestimating the will of the players. Still you are not playing there and neither are the players who declined. Many Canadian NHL players don't have big chance to make in Olympic team and WHC is an oppurtunity to wear Canadian shirt and win something. Players may want to win something which is meaningless to you, believe it or not.
I guess you haven't been watching WHC much if you haven't seen them blocking shots and eating pucks when it matters. Still you seem to be quite sure that these players who wanted to go there care about winning as little as you, who apparently have not been even invited.
It's hard to take seriously posters who are arrogant or overlooking. WHC isn't an invitational tournament. World Cup could be called invitational tournament. For your information, there are several divisions in world championships and the WHC tournament is just the tip of the iceberg. Maybe you should make a bit more research before posting.
Hello there, first post for me, even though i'm a long time reader.
My guess here would be :
Canada, would looked kind of like a team after their first game
Czetch
Sweden
Russia. Could have been an interesting game if the Russians took the French lightly, but I sense a feeling of revenge after last year winning streak ending ^^
Oddly, could be better for the French to take the first goal, as they seemed to be more comfortable in that position :
* Canada, took first goal, won.
* Italy, scored first, lost.
* Slovakia, took first goal, won.
* Sweden, took first goal, lost after strong opposition.
* Norway, took first goal, won.
* Danemark, scored first, won.
* Czech, scored (3!) firsts, lost.
My guess here would be :
Canada, would looked kind of like a team after their first game
Czetch
Sweden
Russia. Could have been an interesting game if the Russians took the French lightly, but I sense a feeling of revenge after last year winning streak ending ^^
Oddly, could be better for the French to take the first goal, as they seemed to be more comfortable in that position :
* Canada, took first goal, won.
* Italy, scored first, lost.
* Slovakia, took first goal, won.
* Sweden, took first goal, lost after strong opposition.
* Norway, took first goal, won.
* Danemark, scored first, won.
* Czech, scored (3!) firsts, lost.
Yeah, I was not clear. I mean it looks like a closer match-up than a game vs Latvia. Finlad is, in general, a strong team, stronger than Latvia or Belarus. That was what I meant when I was sayin it's a close game on paper
My bad. It's true that in terms of rosters, our players have the talent edge and it's a better team, but still, Finland is Finland. They may play a different hockey now in the playoffs.
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