GDT: Semifinals - May 21 - Finland (3) vs Russia (1)

[Lempo]

I don't get why there aren't any Finnish coaches in NHL. People always say we overperform in international games, but I don't think it's a coincidence that our teams always perform better than the sum of its parts. This time around we also have young players who can perform when it counts.

It does look like Team Finland has some kind of crazy sense of playing for the team in these circles. I would guess there would be a whole different level of competition-driven egotism inside an NHL team that would hamper the coaching efforts.

 

[Murky]

If Ovi would be Finnish and playing like that, he would be scratched, seriously.

Russias problem, too big names, not enough heart.

No he wouldn't be. You guys would be hoping Laine would be next Ovechkin as you are now.

I guess I should just let go of this. Finns won and they are celebrating. I just wish there would be a bit more pride of their own team and a bit less taking shots at the other. But none of my business so I will just bow out of the thread by saying well done Finland in an entertaining and good match.

 

[Slapper]

" See you Russians at the finals "
- Bunch of Canadian fans

Laine not so good today but another teenager stepped up.

Too easy, next.

 

[Keeptdos]

Is Koskinen a free agent? He's really good. Hope the Leafs try to get his rights from the Isles.

He said he had NHL contract on the table but chose KHL since he will get more minutes and will be the go to guy rather than backup or AHL.

 

[Coldplay619]

1.Canada
2.Finland
3.Sweden
4.USA
5.Russia

Can't see them competing at the WCH either.

 

[Scotty B]

Awesome win, but man i feel bad for Datsuyk, his effort level in this game was outstanding, if the whole team followed his unselfish example, team Russia would be unbeatable.

He missed a feed from OV, think it was...with a gaping net

 

[Like Wall]

The good guys won!

 

[Mahonkinen]

Gg wp Russian brothers. No need to bow your heads.

Time to get a new head coach imo.

 

[Coldplay619]

 

[Scotty B]

YESSSS!

Respect to Russia. It's a miracle they didn't score in their deadly-looking power plays (or otherwise).

score? They didn't even get many shots...one or two per pp tops...

 

[Garl]

Well, good games from Finland, congrats guys! Will definately be rooting for you in finals.

 

[Yakushev72]

What is it with Finland and the ability to give Russia fits in Russian ice?

2007 WHC, 2014 Sochi, now...

Simple answer. In each of those cases, Finland was the better team. The better team doesn't always win, but they usually do.

 

[Booster*]

Can someone post a link from the Finnish broadcast, wanna hear how Mertaranta sounds here.

 

[LemurFromTheId]

Haha, just saw the replay of Barkov's "interference" on Ovechkin... let's just say that that might've been Ovi's best performance today!

 

[Mehar]

Another embarrassing performance by the Russians on home ice. No excuses this time around. Finland was the better team. Russian team was stacked and loses again. Canada/USA and other nations have their B or C teams. Pathetic hockey played by Russia.

 

[llwyd]

Hmm, well that was surprisingly simple, eh? Our team defence is rather scary - such a clinical, clean elimination of a very talented Russian team on their home ice. I like this!

 

[Matti_A]

I don't want to rub it in or anything but I'm not gonna lie, as a Finnish fan there is nothing that feels better lately than beating team Russia with Ovechkin and co. on their home soil.

I honestly don't care if we loose tomorrow, this game was the emotional final for me and right now I'm as happy as a pig in filth.

 

[llwyd]

Gg wp Russian brothers. No need to bow your heads.

Absolutely, a great team, so much skill - it's weird how often Russia performs at least a bit less than the sum of the players and Finland so often better than names on paper (though this year is bit of an exception as regards our top talent).

 

[Scotty B]

No it wasn't. If that's a penalty we'd have 30 PP's every single game.

He got a good whack in, and we all saw the result...but, of course, u must be right

 

[Coldplay619]

FromRussiaWithGlove
‏@RussiaWithGlove
Russia has never won gold at home in any IIHF sanctioned tournament since the fall of the Soviet Union

Welp.

Ryan Rishaug ‏@TSNRyanRishaug 5m5 minutes ago
Laine on Ovechkin hitting him "I think I won't ever wash this jersey"

:lol

Hopefully he's like this in the NHL too.

 

[Yakushev72]

1.Canada
2.Finland
3.Sweden
4.USA
5.Russia

Can't see them competing at the WCH either.

I think Russia will beat the United States tomorrow and at the World Cup, but its unlikely that they can beat any of the others.

 

[FinnForTheWin]

Russia was the best team Finland has faced so far, the game was very even. We played well and were also a bit lucky. Respect to our neighbours in the east ! Take care of the bronze. Remember that the home team usually never wins in World Championships.

Now let's go for Gold Finland !

 

[Puhis]

Good game, Russia. Not many shenanigans, no OTT drama. Just good, hard hockey game. This time, we won. Next time it could be you.

 

[Uncle Scrooge]

He got a good whack in, and we all saw the result...but, of course, u must be right

Im glad we came to an agreement.

 

[Lempo]

I don't want to rub it in or anything but I'm not gonna lie, as a Finnish fan there is nothing that feels better lately than beating team Russia with Ovechkin and co. on their home soil.

I don't know, I feel like a school yard bully if it happens by a superstar of theirs getting off his game and Finns then totally usurping that and heating him up to boiling. Ovi was fuming up there already on the 2nd. It's kind of awesome and a good sing for the rest of the game but I feel like ******* for laughing.