GDT: Semifinal - May 25 - Russia vs Finland
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torniojaws
Registered User
I hope they don't play Lankinen in the goal. He's not been convincing at all, especially against any tougher opposition.
BullLund
Registered User
- Dec 28, 2017
- 1,327
- 1,489
Jalonen could be one of those guys who's a better tournament coach than regular season coach.
He can get results quickly from a random group of players, creates winning strategies for "underdog scenarios", and recognizes the abilities of players who might not be outstanding talent-wise, but who can still fill a certain role.
However, in a longer season, his strengths might be countered by coaches who take into account advanced statistics, scout his strategies, and find effective ways to exploit them.
One-off matches are different from a series of matches. I often question if Finland could have this level of success, with teams such as this (having no real outstanding talent, outside of a couple of guys), if the tournament was decided on a best of 7 instead. The more talented and stacked teams would probably figure it out eventually, as long as the coach isn't completely out for lunch.
Jussi
Registered User
Tomorrow-afternoon is a bit inconvenient time for me but they probably reasoned the order of the games based on that when it's evening here it is afternoon in Canada and somebody over there might even watch Canada's game.
Lankinen had some key saves, but overall, he was pretty bad. Only 14 saves on 18 shots usually doesn't win games in playoff rounds. He's going to need a much higher save % than 77% if Finland is going to win tomorrow.
Jussi
Registered User
It's not the goalies fault if the goals he allows are "unsaveable". This game was one those where simply looking at the stats doesn't do justice for the game. Are you forgetting that save he made at the end of the first (or second period)?
DoubleGold
X2
We're going to have to pull off a Lake Placid if we want to win this one, but if someone can do it, it's this team.
No looking back;
Hakkaa päälle!
No looking back;
Hakkaa päälle!
Jussi
Registered User
You also said he was bad overall which implies that either you didn't see replays or just looked at the stats.
Third in their conference and second round exit in six games against a team whose budget is three times that of Jokerit. I think that's pretty good for a budget team.
Anyway, as good a coach as he is, that's clearly not enough to make Finland the favourites here. Especially since Russia seems to also be well coached for a change.
77% save percentage implies bad overall. When I wrote "key saves," I specifically was thinking about the same one that you mentioned, plus OT. Finland will not beat Russia unless Lankinen's save % is at least 90%. He will have to play better than he did against Sweden.
Jussi
Registered User
No, it doesn't when you watch the kind goals scored on him. People were saying for years Ari Sulander was bad when he won titles with Jokerit while not having the best goalies stats in the league because Jokerit allowed so few shots per game. Then came the 1998, Nagano and the Worlds...
I'm not really counting that jet-lagged first game Canada for anything. Seems kind of self serving when their teamplay was so obviously off kilter.
To me he has looked shaky all tournament. Against Sweden I blame the first and fourth goals on his poor puck tracking. Sure, especially the first one might have gone in regardless, but he didn't even manage to make an effort because he had no idea where the puck was. I would start Olkinuora in the next one.
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He let a soft one against Germany, too, but in the Germany game, Grubauer shut the door so Finland couldn't build a lead or crawl back. IHMO, he has made some good key saves throughout the tournie, but he will have to be a difference maker against Russia.
jj cale
Registered User
If Finland can just keep it close through two periods.............................
PanniniClaus
Registered User
- Oct 12, 2006
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The Cannon of Tesoma
Registered User
Hah! True... but not entirely. I'm so insecure about this game that there is clear conflict in my mind.
The start of the game is very important. But I don't think that Russia can just simply out-skate Finns physically in the 3rd period. If it ever goes that far. However, their average skill superiority will likely become more visible then if Finns are somehow survived that far.
People shouldn't underestimate the grinding power of an average FEL player. Star spangled Team Russia certainly won't.
Better than who ? We have more gold than Finland. Not sure what you’re talking about here.
jj cale
Registered User
They won't out grind them for sure but as we all know and admit they have a clear talent advantage. I am sure Jalonen has a plan for this game but everything basically has to go right tomorrow for victory. I think the big worry with this Russian team is that they have the goaltending to back that offensive firepower up, if only there were more question marks in net winning this game would be far less taxing, alas...........that isn't the case.Hah! True... but not entirely. I'm so insecure about this game that there is clear conflict in my mind.
The start of the game is very important. But I don't think that Russia can just simply out-skate Finns physically in the 3rd period. If it ever goes that far. However, their average skill superiority will likely become more visible then if Finns are somehow survived that far.
People shouldn't underestimate the grinding power of an average FEL player. Star spangled Team Russia certainly won't.
Gotta skate with them and battle with them all over the ice, make life miserable for them all game long, pounce on your opportunities , stay out of any major penalty trouble and hope that your goalie is sharp as hell because we damn well know he is going to be tested with some prime goal scoring chances. You keep it within a goal or tied even for a period and a half you will start to get into their head, that's where you wanna be.
I know if Finland can pull it off tomorrow you will have damn well earned it because that game is gonna be a bear (no pun intended)
The Cannon of Tesoma
Registered User
And some beers. (and punch intended)
Breweries won't miss this opportunity. Win or loss, a consumption spike is ensured.
