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

[Bear12Good]

Barkov will play today?

 

[snipes]

Barkov will play today?

Yes, it looks like it.

In my view, Barkov has probably been the MVP of this tournament.

 

[Conspiracy Theorist]

Russia aint no anykind of hockey super power this skoda joke tournament means almost nothing. Russia is about 5. best national team atm. Some people can maybe be fooled by this tournament some idiot might even think Finland to be better than Sweden now, because Sweden sucked in this Skoda. Still like 2 finnish players excluding goalies would make it to team Sweden A team. Its ridiculous to think that this tournament is any kind of measurement of top hockey countries hierarchy. Skoda aint no much more meaningful than EHT tournaments. If Finland now wins this it doesnt mean that Finland should be considered better team than Usa or Sweden only Olympics and World cup mean anythink, and even World cup is questionable because it may be seen as a gimmick.

Our juniors are so good, that's why we think we are better than USA and Sweden.

 

[Lapa]

Yes, it looks like it.

In my view, Barkov has probably been the MVP of this tournament.

I value Granlund a bit higher than him in this tournament, but Barkov and Koivu have been great as well.

 

[snipes]

Our juniors are so good, that's why we think we are better than USA and Sweden.

Your juniors have been amazing recently. Don't forget though that the Czechs had a mini golden age at the mens and junior level in the late 90s to early 2000s.

Finland still needs to win a best-on-best mens event and maintain this level of success over a long period of time, it looks promising and there is certainly reason to believe that Finland will become a superpower. However, there is still a ways to go.

 

[snipes]

I value Granlund a bit higher than him in this tournament, but Barkov and Koivu have been great as well.

To me it's Barkov's board work and toughness on the cycle. His defensive game is also stellar. He's not flashy and won't stand out the way a player like Laine or Granlund will, but to educated hockey observers it is obvious how well Barkov has played.

This really has been an outstanding tournament for Barkov and the Finland team as a whole. I've watched every game they have played and have been very impressed with the Finnish team.

 

[Jopo]

I doubt Finland can ever be 'Superpower' (rather vague term, what ever it may mean in this context) in way bigger countries with vast player bases can. Finland cannot ever truly compete by numerical production of top players, as that would require unrealistically high ratio of Hockey players/population. However, that is recognized in Finnish hockey already decades ago, and whole system is based to that limitation, forcing to concentrate to quality over quantity, and particularly on a level of team coherency. Russia has enormous advantage over Finland in this matter, and always will be only by sheer population size difference.

On topic. What ever. It's really hard to make rational predictions upon oncoming match. But It's going to be tough game, no doubts.

Funny thing is that it seems that fans of both countries feel some insecurity over their changes, and in similar manner for similar reasons.

Hopefully hockey will win when 60 minutes are full. Good luck!

 

[Artorius Horus T]

Biggest difference why we finn's win in todays hockey:

20th century players,coaches and fans mentality:
hope for the best,fear for the worst,we lost "every"
game before we even played them,never really
believed in ourselves.

21st century players&coaches mentality:
we can beat anybody,we expect to win,
finally our young star players believe in themselves
and that has rubbed in to our coaches and veterans too.

It has never been the size,skill,talent,number of "star"players,
goal scorers,population,it's always been "between the ears".

Now we are mentally strong (have been so for several years now)
and look what we've doing,actualy winning.

 

[Conspiracy Theorist]

I doubt Finland can ever be 'Superpower' (rather vague term, what ever it may mean in this context) in way bigger countries with vast player bases can. Finland cannot ever truly compete by numerical production of top players, as that would require unrealistically high ratio of Hockey players/population. However, that is recognized in Finnish hockey already decades ago, and whole system is based to that limitation, forcing to concentrate to quality over quantity, and particularly on a level of team coherency. Russia has enormous advantage over Finland in this matter, and always will be only by sheer population size difference.

On topic. What ever. It's really hard to make rational predictions upon oncoming match. But It's going to be tough game, no doubts.

Funny thing is that it seems that fans of both countries feel some insecurity over their changes, and in similar manner for similar reasons.

Hopefully hockey will win when 60 minutes are full. Good luck!

You can name only 25 players on your roster. I'm confident Finland will be able to produce 25 great hockey players.

 

[snipes]

Biggest difference why we finn's win in todays hockey:

20th century players,coaches and fans mentality:
hope for the best,fear for the worst,we lost "every"
game before we even played them,never really
believed in ourselves.

21st century players&coaches mentality:
we can beat anybody,we expect to win,
finally our young star players believe in themselves
and that has rubbed in to our coaches and veterans too.

It has never been the size,skill,talent,number of "star"players,
goal scorers,population,it's always been "between the ears".

Now we are mentally strong (have been so for several years now)
and look what we've doing,actualy winning.

You know what, that's awesome. The Finns have always played with heart and excellent structure. Suomi finally has multiple star players coming up at the same time. The future looks very bright, you guys should believe in your team. You are not underdogs anymore.

I know the people of Suomi love hockey the same way as many Canadians do. Full respect. I see Suomi as Canadas greatest challenge in international hockey going forward, we are seeing glimpses of it now. Hopefully we make each other better . Canada will have to work hard to keep up with you.

Anyways, what is happening in Finland with hockey isn't going unnoticed here in Canada. You have certainly earned my respect and my peers who don't post here agree. I hope to come to Finland some day for a WJC when Finland hosts next.

I would love to go for a beer and talk hockey with Finnish people who are as passionate about the game as I am. Plus we both share freezing cold winters, especially us western Canadians where young St. Patrik and hopefully Pulju will be heading .

Good luck against Russia. I want to see Russia win because we need a rematch for Gold on Russian soil, but that doesn't change the respect Suomi has earned in my eyes and the eyes of many of my countrymen.

 

[agent082]

Pavel Datsyuk
Artemi Panarin
Alexander Ovechkin
etc.

This can get ugly. I think Russia wins 5-1.

 

[jesui]

In one game everything is possible.
Still i think that theres only two scenarios in this game:

Russia crushes Finland like 6-1 or then it will be hell of a fight and close game.

 

[Male75FromFinland]

Every time Russia loses it`s huge victory for the game of hockey.

Hockey is the best game on earth and for winning at hockey you have to have every player willing to play defense and make simple easy things again and again.

Hockey is a game of sacrifice for winners and taking short cuts for losers.

These kind of games are won with players like Koivu, Pyörälä, Kukkonen, Koskiranta, Komarov, Jaakola, Ohtamaa, Barkov, Jokinen, Pihlstrom, leading the way by doing everything for the team and taking no credit for the name on the back.

I really really respect players like Datsyuk who play complete game and I fear for Russian offense, but every time russia loses it`s huge victory for the game of hockey.

Ultimate dream for Finlands game winning goal would be situation where Ovechkin would chose not to back check.

Go Finland Go, lets give everything we got for the victory!!!

 

[FinnishSniper]

Pavel Datsyuk
Artemi Panarin
Alexander Ovechkin
etc.

This can get ugly. I think Russia wins 5-1.

Alexander Barkov and Mikko Koivu will shut their offense down with their amazing two-way game. 3-1 to Finland (remember my post after the game and come back to me then)

 

[Caser]

Every time Russia loses it`s huge victory for the game of hockey.

Hockey is the best game on earth and for winning at hockey you have to have every player willing to play defense and make simple easy things again and again.

Hockey is a game of sacrifice for winners and taking short cuts for losers.

These kind of games are won with players like Koivu, Pyörälä, Kukkonen, Koskiranta, Komarov, Jaakola, Ohtamaa, Barkov, Jokinen, Pihlstrom, leading the way by doing everything for the team and taking no credit for the name on the back.

I really really respect players like Datsyuk who play complete game and I fear for Russian offense, but every time russia loses it`s huge victory for the game of hockey.

Ultimate dream for Finlands game winning goal would be situation where Ovechkin would chose not to back check.

Go Finland Go, lets give everything we got for the victory!!!

Nice to meet you, Mr. Hockey.

Wondering if that works the other way too, I mean, in cases when Russia wins.

 

[Murky]

Every time Russia loses it`s huge victory for the game of hockey.

Oh boy. There really is not much more to say than that I disagree completely. Russia as a nation is super important to hockey and they have their own flavor which we all get to enjoy. I respect them a lot.

I really have no preference in the game. I predict Russia wins comfortably 4-1 5-2 or so. Finns have been great but so have the Russians. This time Finland does not have the goalie to make the difference behind their D so Russia it will be.

 

[snipes]

The Finns can listen to my message as a Canadian who has been a student of international hockey for many years, or you can choose to ignore what I'm saying. Choice is yours. If I can pass on one lesson I've learned in international hockey, it is this: Never, ever, under any circumstances underestimate a Russian team. It is a grave error to underestimate any team wearing the Russian sweater playing for their country.

Given the responses I have seen from the Russian fans predicting a "6-1 or 5-1" victory for Finland, I would be very afraid if I were the Finns. This Russian team is going to come out energized in a way that the Finns have not seen yet at this tournament.

The Moscow crowd is going to be fierce, intimidating, and ready for battle. I really think that the Finnish fans predicting easy victory over the Russians are making a grave mistake. This Russian team with the energy of the crowd behind them will come out literally flying on the ice.

Those young and small Finnish D. Have they ever played #8 Alex Ovechkin before? The Great 8 is a one man wrecking crew. IIHF refs seem to let the good, clean hard hits go. It's the stick work they penalize. They'll let Ovi crash and bang finishing his checks.

The Great 8 is one of the biggest hitters in the NHL. Ovi can strike the fear of God into some of those Finnish D men. What Ovi needs to do is just play an NHL style of game. People in North America love Ovechkin and know what a beast he is. If he gets playing fast and physical on those young Finnish lion pups, look out. You'll hear no complaints from this Canadian about Ovechkin hitting. Hitting is part of hockey, and the Great 8 is one of the best.

I think Russia comes out flying and gets to the Gold medal game. Look forward to seeing the Russians for Gold in Moscow.

Prediction: 4-3 Russia. ROSSIYA!!! See you on Sunday Russia .

 

[Finnsane]

Pavel Datsyuk
Artemi Panarin
Alexander Ovechkin
etc.

This can get ugly. I think Russia wins 5-1.

Taylor Hall
Connor McDavid
Corey Perry
etc.

4-0 Finland

 

[agent082]

Those young and small Finnish D. Have they ever played #8 Alex Ovechkin before?

I believe Ovechkin has played pretty much in every WCH.

 

[snipes]

I believe Ovechkin has played pretty much in every WCH.

All 6 of the Finnish D have played him?

With Ovi in Moscow, if he hits and he plays an NHL style game like he does in North America, I'm not sure the Finnish D will be able to handle him.

A loud, rocking home atmosphere. Players will be allowed to finish clean body checks, It's the stick work the IIHF doesn't like. Good, clean body checks are always allowed. If Ovi plays more physical, the Finnish D might be in for a surprise.

I think that there will be an inspired Russian team playing. I would not underestimate them if I was the Finns.

 

[Lennu32]

The Finns can listen to my message as a Canadian who has been a student of international hockey for many years, or you can choose to ignore what I'm saying. Choice is yours. If I can pass on one lesson I've learned in international hockey, it is this: Never, ever, under any circumstances underestimate a Russian team. It is a grave error to underestimate any team wearing the Russian sweater playing for their country.

Given the responses I have seen from the Russian fans predicting a "6-1 or 5-1" victory for Finland, I would be very afraid if I were the Finns. This Russian team is going to come out energized in a way that the Finns have not seen yet at this tournament.

The Moscow crowd is going to be fierce, intimidating, and ready for battle. I really think that the Finnish fans predicting easy victory over the Russians are making a grave mistake. This Russian team with the energy of the crowd behind them will come out literally flying on the ice.

Those young and small Finnish D. Have they ever played #8 Alex Ovechkin before? The Great 8 is a one man wrecking crew. IIHF refs seem to let the good, clean hard hits go. It's the stick work they penalize. They'll let Ovi crash and bang finishing his checks.

The Great 8 is one of the biggest hitters in the NHL. Ovi can strike the fear of God into some of those Finnish D men. What Ovi needs to do is just play an NHL style of game. People in North America love Ovechkin and know what a beast he is. If he gets playing fast and physical on those young Finnish lion pups, look out. You'll hear no complaints from this Canadian about Ovechkin hitting. Hitting is part of hockey, and the Great 8 is one of the best.

I think Russia comes out flying and gets to the Gold medal game. Look forward to seeing the Russians for Gold in Moscow.

Prediction: 4-3 Russia. ROSSIYA!!! See you on Sunday Russia .

I very much doubt any Finn is going to think this will be an easy game. But still, we can win it, no matter what the russian squad is

I only ask for fair refereering, let the players decide the outcome

 

[Conspiracy Theorist]

We are not afraid of Russia like Canada is. We are only worried about the referees.

 

[snipes]

I very much doubt any Finn is going to think this will be an easy game. But still, we can win it, no matter what the russian squad is

I only ask for fair refereering, let the players decide the outcome

Agreed. Keep the stick work down. The refs will let them figure the game out themselves, should be a hard hitting affair. The IIHF will let go good clean hits on the forecheck, they just don't like the stick work.

I expect to see a hard Stanley Cup Playoff style game. Lots of hitting and heavy on the forecheck. Avoid stick infractions and battle hard. May the best team win.

I'm looking forward to this game more than the CAN-USA game. I don't remember that ever being the case in a semi final game before.

 

[Flick of the Switch]

I think we have a fair chance to win if we can hold out 0-0 for the first period and get them frustrated early in the second like they always do, preferably with a Komarov special or a goal.

But unless that happens I don't see us winning this, Russia has 3-5 goals in them and I think we can do a maximum of 3 if nothing surprising happens. I just don't see our D being able to hold out for too long against their best guys. There's going to be a lot of quality scoring chances for Russia and our hope lies in a godmode-Koskinen or massive failures from Russia's side, neither likely to happen.

4-2 Russia.

I don't understand why there are warnings here when anyone even mentions refs, is it not ok to be a tad nervous from our side about the reffing with our history with them in Russia games? Sure, the Putin conspiracy theories can be left out but just normal talk about people worrying if this'll be the next disaster? Wut.

 

[LemurFromTheId]

The Finns can listen to my message as a Canadian who has been a student of international hockey for many years, or you can choose to ignore what I'm saying. Choice is yours. If I can pass on one lesson I've learned in international hockey, it is this: Never, ever, under any circumstances underestimate a Russian team. It is a grave error to underestimate any team wearing the Russian sweater playing for their country.

Given the responses I have seen from the Russian fans predicting a "6-1 or 5-1" victory for Finland, I would be very afraid if I were the Finns. This Russian team is going to come out energized in a way that the Finns have not seen yet at this tournament.

The Moscow crowd is going to be fierce, intimidating, and ready for battle. I really think that the Finnish fans predicting easy victory over the Russians are making a grave mistake. This Russian team with the energy of the crowd behind them will come out literally flying on the ice.

Those young and small Finnish D. Have they ever played #8 Alex Ovechkin before? The Great 8 is a one man wrecking crew. IIHF refs seem to let the good, clean hard hits go. It's the stick work they penalize. They'll let Ovi crash and bang finishing his checks.

The Great 8 is one of the biggest hitters in the NHL. Ovi can strike the fear of God into some of those Finnish D men. What Ovi needs to do is just play an NHL style of game. People in North America love Ovechkin and know what a beast he is. If he gets playing fast and physical on those young Finnish lion pups, look out. You'll hear no complaints from this Canadian about Ovechkin hitting. Hitting is part of hockey, and the Great 8 is one of the best.

I think Russia comes out flying and gets to the Gold medal game. Look forward to seeing the Russians for Gold in Moscow.

Prediction: 4-3 Russia. ROSSIYA!!! See you on Sunday Russia .

I think that few Finns actually underestimate Russia, but these things have gone both ways over the last couple of decades, and we've seen crushing victories on both sides.

The Russians have amazing individual skill and speed that can win games, but what we lack in skill we can make up in strategy and discipline, and no player is as fast as the puck anyway. Ovechkin, Malkin, Kovalchuk & Co. have rarely been huge difference makers against Finland, more often than not we've been able to frustrate them and as they lose their composure, we gain the control of the game. Russia is under huge pressure playing at home, and they've cracked several times before under that pressure.

Also, I think you don't quite understand the Finnish mentality. No one is going to back away from Ovechkin. Now, one of the big weaknesses of Finland is it's soft D, and that can be rattled with hard, fast forecheck and physical play (e.g. USA was very good with this), but they don't care about players' numbers.

To be frank, much more than I care about the final result and score of this game, I care about clean and fair yet intensive match. As long as we don't get a disgrace like two years ago, I think I'll be leaving happy.

Prediction: no idea. FIN-RUS games are some of the most undpredictable out there. Just... dear God, please let it be a good game.