GDT: WJC Quarter Finals: Game 23 | 1/2 | 3:30PM PST | Finland Vs Canada

[Smash88]

If Luukkonen plays the same way as he did when I saw him play the 67's earlier this year, Canada will be in tough.

He has the potential to steal this game on his own.

Hopefully Canada can score early to set the tone. I think a low scoring grinding game favours the Finns.

 

[BennsGonnaGetYou]

The team that starts the best will win this hockey game. At least for Finland it's crucial not to make any mistakes early in the game. Another key for Finland is Tolvanen, he absolutely needs to score if Finland is going to be successful.

 

[IceHockeyDude]

I have no expectations about this game. Most likely Canada will take it but if Finland plays the first great game against the big countries anything could happen and Finland wins by 5 goals. You never know about these u20 games.

 

[BennsGonnaGetYou]

I think a low scoring grinding game favours the Finns.

Word.

 

[FLpanthers16]

Heponiemi and rest of the first line needs to step up in this game for them to have a chance.

 

[IceHockeyDude]

key for Finland is Tolvanen, he absolutely needs to score if Finland is going to be successful.

Amen.

 

[king89]

Amen.

I think this will be his game, i have that feeling.

 

[ijuka]

I'm not sure how Heponiemi and Kupari can do so well in Liiga but have such major struggles here. Surely Liiga can't be that bad of a league. Is it really about the small ice, huh?

 

[FLpanthers16]

I'm not sure how Heponiemi and Kupari can do so well in Liiga but have such major struggles here. Surely Liiga can't be that bad of a league. Is it really about the small ice, huh?

Hepo had a weak WJC last year as well. Some good players just don't perform in this tourney.

 

[Cellee]

“Canada knows what to do. They know what to do to get the penalties. We have to be ready for that,” advised Ahokas. “For what I’ve seen so far there have been so many penalties for the teams (playing) against Canada.”

OK, Jussi, there’s just one problem: A quick look at the tournament stats shows that, through four games, the Finns have received 16 power plays to 15 for Canada."



Finland getting their excuses ready.

 

[wishywashy19]

I've got a Pitcher of beer riding on this game, so me and my pocket book are looking for a W.

Lots not to like thus far with the Canadian game, but at the same time, its not like they are bad. We've been fortunate to have such dominant teams, I feel we as Canadian fans can get a bit selfish when our teams don't steam roll the competition. They are no further out of it, no further in it, than any of the 8 QF teams. 4-0, 3-1, doesn't matter. You lose and you're done. For all teams

the format is what tournament play is all about.
there are four legitimate contenders for gold. Three teams could pull an upset.
Canada/ Sweden and Russia /USA going forward.
MY prediction still stands. Canada and Russia meet in the rematch. I can smell the money rolling in for TSN and HC .

 

[Star Ocean]

I'm not sure how Heponiemi and Kupari can do so well in Liiga but have such major struggles here. Surely Liiga can't be that bad of a league. Is it really about the small ice, huh?

Isnt liiga small ice

 

[king89]

I'm not sure how Heponiemi and Kupari can do so well in Liiga but have such major struggles here. Surely Liiga can't be that bad of a league. Is it really about the small ice, huh?

Kupari has created plenty of chances , I wouldn't say he's struggling.

 

[ijuka]

Isnt liiga small ice

Liiga is variable ice. It's not International Ice, though. It's somewhere in between.

 

[ijuka]

Kupari has created plenty of chances , I wouldn't say he's struggling.

He has 1 point and is +/- 0.

 

[Star Ocean]

Liiga is variable ice. It's not International Ice, though. It's somewhere in between.

I wonder why SHL hasnt done the same

 

[ConnorMcMullet]

What does it mean by 1/2 in the title?

Edit: I am a dumb dumb.

 

[king89]

He has 1 point and is +/- 0.

Yes but he is not struggling with the game. He doesn't get pushed around, he protects the puck quite well, he uses his good skating and stickhandling to create chances. Only thing is that he could play more in the middle of the ice, but he has starting to do that more.

 

[ChicagoBullsFan]

It's time for Finnish 1999 born players to step up and start leading our team and act like leaders.
When three 2001 born double underage players ( Kakko, Lundell and Heinola) are the leaders it tells that there's something terribly wrong.

It's do or die now so how about Finns do you wanna come home or continue tournament in semifinals.
You guys ( Tolvanen and others 99's) have time to WAKE UP and start play NOW not later.

 

[king89]

What does it mean by 1/2 in the title?

The date dumb dumb

 

[ConnorMcMullet]

The date dumb dumb

Haha I thought it meant game 1/2 or something. Kind of forgot it was 2019 already.

 

[ForsakenSabre]

Should be a good one. Wish both teams no injuries and best of luck

 

[ORRFForever]

Good luck to both teams.

 

[ijuka]

Yes but he is not struggling with the game. He doesn't get pushed around, he protects the puck quite well, he uses his good skating and stickhandling to create chances. Only thing is that he could play more in the middle of the ice, but he has starting to do that more.

I'm honestly not sure what your expectations for Kupari were... He's always had good skating and stickhandling, his issue's been getting things done. And he's not getting things done.

He should be so much better. This is like watching Kapanen during the year when he scored the golden goal. Hopefully Kupari's end to the tournament will be similar to Kapanen's, otherwise this will be quite a performance...

 

[Johnny McBravo]

Bouchard is gonna silence a lot of the haters tonight. Quote me idc.