With a small talent pool of around 5.5 million, Finland has taken advantage of the odds of the world when it takes on the power of hockey in the world, such as the United States, which has not stopped Canada, Sweden and Finland from succeeding in the past. I’m used to having it. However, it is the best on best competition.
In five Winter Olympics (1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014), including NHL players, Finland won more medals (3 bronze, 1 silver) than any other country. In the three World Cups, Finland finished third in 1996 and second in 2004 before failing to advance past the reserve round in 2016.
Therefore, Canada, Sweden and the United States would be wise not to underestimate Finland in a four-country showdown.
“I don’t think they’re going to underestimate us,” Forward Lekkonen said. “Everyone knows we’ve lost a few players, but we still have a lot of great players on this team. We have the top players in the world, so this tournament is the best. You can’t really underestimate the team of the company.”
Pennanen said that Finland was able to overcome any drawbacks that he faced in the past through teamwork.
“I think it’s part of Finland’s hockey. It’s going to be a good team,” Pennanen said. “Players had history together, so that’s also a problem. We’re trying to become a team that’s difficult to play and be (play) good defense and (have) good pack management. Masu.”
Barkov and Aho pointed out that they have previously played for the national team or the NHL with almost every player on the Finnish roster. Aho and Patrik Laine cast their spells as linemates to help Finland win the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship. Aho, Barkov and Laine played together at the line at the 2016 World Cup.
“The smallest country, that’s certainly the out of all four of these (in the tournament),” Barkov said. “We are of similar age so we grew up in the same environment and national team and played against each other. I came here and knew each and every one. I met him before, and before I spoke to him, so obviously it helps.”
And players who play the same system on Finland’s national teams grew up together, so they already know how to play when they reach a tournament like this.
“We’re going to be a very close group, a hardworking guy and trying to commit to the game plan,” Aho says. “Maybe it’s our advantage over some of the other teams. I don’t know. Usually we have good goalkeepers and obviously, we’re good in that department.
“So hopefully we’ll have a good show there (on).”
The US and Canada may be their favorites, but Finland came to a four-country showdown to win.
“We’re very confident,” forward Anton Landell said. “We know that we probably aren’t ranked number one in the (media), but that wasn’t a previous issue for us. Sometimes it’s fun to try and show how good you are. is.”
