TEAM FINLAND 2022:
Four strong lines, and Granlund playing center because of larger rink.
Also trying to create lines between players I would like to see playing together (4 strong lines in mind).
If the lines won’t work they could be ”easily” changed for the ones we have had in the previous tournaments (like Aho-Teräväinen or Laine-Barkov etc.).
Kapanen-Barkov-Teräväinen*
Laine-Aho-Puljujärvi**
Lehkonen-Hintz-Rantanen***
Donskoi-Granlund-Armia****
(Kakko / Kotkaniemi / {Haula})
*All around line with TOP5 center Barkov, Teuvo passes from a right slot and speedy Kappe finishes.
**Star line from U20 WJC. IF Puljujärvi would step up to be a decent 3rd liner in the NHL, this line would be a monster especially in wider european rinks.
***Two way Arsi who can create space, speedy 2way Hintz and one of the best around the boards and set up- player Rants.
****Joonas and Mikael has previous history playing together, IMO Joppe mixes in well.
Defense, this could change a lot...
Lindell-Ristolainen (previous history)
Heiskanen-Jokiharju (previous history)
Määttä-Vatanen (previous history)
IN THE MIX:
Nutivaara, Lehtonen, Vaakanainen, Niku, Välimäki
IN THE CREASE:
Rask
Saros
Raanta
Tough international games, so probably there is not much room for youngsters.
Kakko, Heiskanen, Jokiharju (because R) and Kotkaniemi are the safest bets.
EDIT. Forgot Haula. Added {}
