Contents: Tonight spectators attended a fantastic game full of surprising reversals. Finland was first over-boosted, both on physical level and execution speed, exterting constant pressure. Though, no goal was scored on first part. Second period testified no more than 5 goals, 1 from Scandinavians (Niko Kapanen), 3 from USA (Brown, Oshie, Suter) within only 4 minutes range, and 1 last from Hyvonen. Victims of their recurrent penalties, Suomi Lions could not oppose enough success in front of galvanized Americans who did a great job, dominating second period and struggling to keep the score still in the third. Big up to Goalie Robert Esche and his reflex stop, which certainly offered the U.S their first semi-finals since 2004 in Prague.
Contents: Canada has showed their limits through that game very engaged from both sides. Finnish did not let their opponent one break, pushing them constantly to commit penalties. And there were penalties: 11 against Canada, 8 against Finland. After Pihlman and Salmela gave a two goals advantage to the Blue team, the game got harder and harder. Finally, Spezza entered one goal in powerplay 3 minutes before end of first period. In the next, Niko Kapanen added a third goal in powerplay. Then Heatley reduced the Finnish domination 1 minute before end of second period. Heatley again equalized in the 50th minute, which lead to an unbearable shootout sequence. Suspense was at the max, and Stamkos miss gave victory to Scandinavians. Despite the result, Team Canada still remains number 1 in group F and will play against Latvia for Quarter Finals whereas Finland will face the U.SA. Nothing is certain anymore from now on.
Contents: This unexpected Victory eliminated Team Slovakia and gave better chance for Belarus to qualify. The controls and tactics of both opponents remained a bit messy all game long. A very early goal (at the 5h second) shot by Demagin gave instant advantage to Former Soviet Union Republic. Niskala equalized at the second period, and no more goal was scored until the shootout session. We can only ask for the Finnish to recover from their exhausting two straight games. They will badly need it next Monday against Amazing Canadians, although they are already qualified for Quarter Finals.
Contents: Team Finland finally prevailed over a very defensive block of Slovaks who really improved their game in comparison with their previous meetings. Kapanen is definitely the Man of the game scoring the two goals of victory, wich last one was scored during overtime. Like Canada, Finland is now certain to play in quarter finals.
Contents: Tonight game offered unexpected scenario. Czech Republic was leading 3 goals (Rolinek, Blatak, Kotalik) to 1 (Niko Kapanen) in the second period. Then Koistinen and Niko Kapanen made their team come back before the end of the period. Hagman set the difference by entering a goal at the 52th minute. This 100 mph game ranked Finland number 1 of its group, but the battle was hard and victory could have been awarded by the opponent too.
Contents: Team Finland demonstrates its power as a very coordinated group by taking advantage of powerplays and beating Norway 5 goals to zero. Today scorers are: Miettinen, Immonen, Niko Kapanen (1st period), Pyorala (2nd period) and Lehtonen (3rd period)
Pre-Competition PRESENTATION
Play Finland National Anthem
Status : Potential Champion (IIHF World Ranking: 4)
Competition : Strongly defeated by the Russians in 2008 (score: 4-0), the “SUOMI” Team had finished at the Third place, humiliating the Swedish opponent. Traditionally, The Finnish have always been in the TOP 7 teams of Hockey, but only achieved to get one Gold medal in their History. It was back in 1995 during the World Championship in Sweden. This time, they will be facing the Czechs during the preliminary round and probably the Canadians during the qualifying round. Capable of realizing miracles against Great Teams, Finland will have to show that it can remain constant within its victories up to the very Final Games.
Pros : Strong defense, Fluid Teamplay, Lots of Professional players in the Northen-American League used to hard training Cons : Lack of determination and fighting spirit in the final steps
Features : The “Lions” benefit very offensive and efficient Forwards and also a solid Guard. Players know how to fit perfectly together despite they are spread off within various NHL and European teams. They only need a magic touch to overcome Russia and Canada, and nothing is impossible. With 1% of its population registered as playing hockey in clubs, Finland also provides a large pool of future potential international talents.
Forwards : Niklas Hagman, Juha-Pekka Hytonen, Hannes Hyvonen, Jarkko Immonen, Niko Kapanen, Sami Kapanen, Kalle Kerman, Leo Komarov, Antti Miettinen, Tuomas Pihlman, Mika Pyorala, Jarkko Ruutu, Ville Vahalahti
Defensemen : Teemu Aalto, Topi Jaakola, Ville Koistinen, Mikko Lehtonen, Janne Niskala, Petteri Nummelin, Anssi Salmela
Goaltenders : Karri Ramo, Juuso Riksman, Pekka Rinne
Terms: Original multimedia supports present on this site (photos, videos, texts, ads, ...) belong to their authors or companies having legal rights for them. Their use or modification on this site have no aim to injure or discredit. They are pure sources of information and entertainement. If any contents would cause problem and shoud be changed or removed, please don’t hesitate contacting Webmaster. Thank you for your collaboration.
