They will get it done vs those countries in the elimination games. Might be a good thing they lost a couple of matches vs teams that aren't as good on paper, the players saw that they need to show up and play 100% regardless of the opposition.
Something like that. Personally I'd put Haula centering Teräväinen and Aho: he would do the dirty work on that line while the two do their thing. Granlund, Koivu and Donskoi would be a great third line. I like that you have Raanta as a starter, but in real life he would be a 3rd goalie behind Rinne and Rask (reputation being a main reason). Also I would probably try to find Heiskanen a role, although I admit my crush on him as a player might be slightly blinding in this case
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We will find out tomorrow. But I don't think the chances are slim. Game can go either way, 50-50.
Zone entries don’t mean that much if the play dies in your stick otherwise in the offensive zone. Kapanen has been bad in the 1st line and he has that weak hockey IQ that a team that has him in their 1st line is causing problems to themselves.
Yes the goalie seems to be really an advantage for the USA... Second awful goal already let in by Kinkaid...
Doesnt have to play with Rantanen, who seems to be pretty arrogant as a player, at least for Kappy. Rantanen doesnt like defence, and the most, he isnt guy that would make up for your mistake and have your back. I think Kappys and Rantanens play looked like they wont be there for each other if one makes mistake.
Strange that they have been put to the same line so much. Zero chemistry between them also in the 2016 WJC gold medal team.
Something like that. Personally I'd put Haula centering Teräväinen and Aho: he would do the dirty work on that line while the two do their thing. Granlund, Koivu and Donskoi would be a great third line. I like that you have Raanta as a starter, but in real life he would be a 3rd goalie behind Rinne and Rask (reputation being a main reason). Also I would probably try to find Heiskanen a role, although I admit my crush on him as a player might be slightly blinding in this case
Kapanen is a brainless speedster, so he doesnt really need that good linemates necessarily. He can use his speedskating quite effectively without having chemistry with his linemates. But he also can easily destroy more cerebral player's line chemistry if he is put to play in the same line with them. His puck hogging without good hockey IQ and passing skills can make it very difficult for more skilled and creative players.
