GDT: Semifinal - May 25 - Russia vs Finland

[RorschachWJK]

Never underestimate team Finland, just like Stalin did

I suppose this needs to be quoted

 

[agent082]

Tbf Russia played very well considering they didn't have any Liiga players

Were Barkov the last they had?

 

[DenOnde]

Kiviranta making the team was a huge surprise, but once there he really has made an impact with his play. Winning goal today came from his forechecking and he has given it 100% every game out there.
How do others see his chances of getting a shot in NHL. With the playing style in the NHL changing, his size is no longer something that should hold him back. I feel that he is either KHL or NHL bound already next season.

 

[DoubleGold]

First of all, I'd like to thank Finland for beating Sweden and giving us an opportunity to beat all other top-7 teams in this tournament (Canada please don't **** this up).

However, we have just beat the only other team that could hope to match us in skill. Our top-9 should just do what is necessary and win handily. This Finnish team is no better than Switzerland and should lose 3-0 just the same.

 

[DoubleGold]

Russia in a laugher.

A laugher indeed

 

[illone84]

worked out pretty well for them, I see!

 

[Edenjung]

Great win.

;D

 

[Anzi]

No he isn't Connor McDavid is the other who's won U18 WJC, U20 WJC and IIHF men's worlds gold medals

I guess he means all in 1 year. But not bad company either way.

 

[FinPanda]

A laugher indeed

Yeah and remember what I posted here before the game? That I am only afraid of Gusev on this Russian team and I barely noticed him tonight. I posted something about Ovechkin and Malkin etc are usually almost no-shows when it matters.

 

[Cellee]

All those who said that Russia was the overwhelming favorite throughout this tournament only focused on their 3 "superstar" offensive talents (Ovechkin, Malkin, Kucherov), and didn't look at all at Nesterov, Khaifizullin, Zadorov, and Zaitsev. Aside from Kaprizov, who was a monster when it counted, the overall talent level on the roster is actually fairly modest. Overall, they just lacked the hunger, toughness and discipline that the Finns show, which is why the Finns so often beat them.

Some will blame the coach, but he actually did a better job defensively than Znarok. especially considering the sparse defensive talent he had to work with. What Russia counted on was that one of the best goal scorers in NHL history would deliver when most needed, and that didn't happen. Sorry to bust your theory, Atas, but I didn't see much of the Ovechkin speed that you talked about (you will no doubt post some videos from 2007 showing him flying). He deserves respect for showing up and working hard, but he was a total non-factor in this game and really, the whole tournament.

The Russian roster is about half NHL and half KHL, and that combination just doesn't work very well, from what I can see. Part of it is unfamiliarity, but they just seem to lack the nationalist fervor that some teams like Finland and Canada exhibit. They didn't play badly, but to be shut out in a Semifinal match is embarrassing. I would guess a Finland-Canada match, and I will be cheering for Finland.

You are an objective human being.

 

[thestudent]

What a thriller once again.
Have to give a lot credit to Lankinen he was in fire this game.

This is the result when goalie is HOT and defence helps goalie and blocks many shots.
Russian dream team had their chances but unfortunately they couldn't finish them.

But what is hockey team without world class head coach? yes nothing.
Jalonen if any coach knows how to prepare the team important games like this world championships semifinal.
This Team Finland doesn't have NHL superstars in the roster but every player has played well.

Nobody didn't believe in this Finnish team but players and coaches believed that's enough to win big games.
This Finland's team has big lion heart and clearly shows.

Thank you very much Team Finland.
And also thanks to Russia for great game this game could have gone either way.

I knew Lankinen was going to have a shutout when he stopped that shot from the corner with his face!!!

 

[ChicagoBullsFan]

I guess he means all in 1 year. But not bad company either way.

I just realized if Finland wins gold tomorrow Kakko isn't only Finn who's won three golds ( U18 WJC, U20 WJC and IIHF mens worlds) that other Finn will be Henri Jokiharju.

 

[Uncle Scrooge]

Bon Appétit!

Wasn't too bad, put some sauce on it and flushed it down with beer.. lots of beer

 

[Nate070]

Yes finns would not beat sweden or russia best of theee or five or seven games but that means nothing now. Its world cup of hockey and this is the format. Congratulations Finland

Well, honestly. After these games I´m not so sure anymore

 

[Chimpradamus]

Nylander to win whc scoring title atleast

That's a small comfort for him at least. I hope he gets out of Toronto soon, because oh man, he could be so much better on the right team that appreciates him.

 

[Anzi]

Yes finns would not beat sweden or russia best of theee or five or seven games but that means nothing now. Its world cup of hockey and this is the format. Congratulations Finland

Finland beat Russia 2-0 if you include the pre-tournament exhibition matches. Honestly shocked that Finland won this game.

 

[Nate070]

That's a small comfort for him at least. I hope he gets out of Toronto soon, because oh man, he could be so much better on the right team that appreciates him.

Well, he didn´t make any friends over there with his negotiations approach

 

[Jaska]

I would like to see Nylander in Carolina.

 

[THE JAM]

Chimp said:
Wow, what an outlandish statement by me to believe that Lundqvist and Markström would be the strongest goalie tandem. I didn't exactly claim neither of them individually were better than Vasilevsky for example. But please, continue to put words in my mouth. Enjoy your no name goalie against Russia in the semis.

Thanx, I really did enjoy that, Chimp.
ZERO goals, i. e. SHUTOUT against the big bad russkies by a noname goalie

​

 

[Nate070]

I would like to see Nylander in Carolina.

No thank you.

 

[Gobben]

Chimp said:
Wow, what an outlandish statement by me to believe that Lundqvist and Markström would be the strongest goalie tandem. I didn't exactly claim neither of them individually were better than Vasilevsky for example. But please, continue to put words in my mouth. Enjoy your no name goalie against Russia in the semis.

Thanx, I really did enjoy that, Chimp.
ZERO goals against the big bad russkies by a noname goalie​

Bright young fellow. Interview in Swedish on Swedish state telly.

He'll have a good life, no matter what.

 

[ViD]

Anti hockey by Finland brings them the victory

Congrats

 

[Zamuz]

Unfortunately for us Russia is taking this tournament seriously, icing lineup that’s overkill for the WHC from offensive standpoint and they’re on a roll.

On top of all that, they have one of the best goalies in the world.

I love good underdog picks but i’ll eat my hat if Russia doesn’t win this.

Was the hat good?

 

[DoubleGold]

Anti hockey by Finland brings them the victory

Congrats

 

[MikeK]

Love it