Pitkänen will skip the Olympics

[iceman42]

http://www.finhockey.fi/taustasivut/...to/?num=189383

[Steve L*]

Antti Niemi plays in goal for Fulham, what the hell has that got to do with hockey?

[Art Vandelay]

Originally Posted by Steve L

Antti Niemi plays in goal for Fulham, what the hell has that got to do with hockey?

It's Antti-Jussi Niemi, a defenseman from Frölunda in the SEL.

[Sampe]

You're both correct.

However... http://www.eurohockey.net/players/sh...i?serial=15493

And regarding the topic, it would seem that Petteri Nummelin will be Pitkänen's actual replacement. He's a LOT closer to Joni in playing style and offensive skills than Niemi (the defenseman). Assuming he has enough time to recover from his back problems that is...and no, I'm not making this up.

Should Nummelin be forced to skip, the next candidate would be Niinimaa but he's not healthy enough to play, either. Then there's Jere Karalahti - same story. Then there is....

....Jyrki Lumme.

He seriously is the best replacement we have left at this point.

[Paatos]

Originally Posted by Steve L

Antti Niemi plays in goal for Fulham, what the hell has that got to do with hockey?

If these denials for the olympic team keep coming, we might be seeing him in the net in Torino

[Steve L*]

Originally Posted by Lion of the North

It's Antti-Jussi Niemi, a defenseman from Frölunda in the SEL.

Ah thanks, my Finnish is just as bad as my Swedish.

[Roger's Pancreas*]

This is in no way, shape, or form a suprise. Good to see him get some rest but I would have prefered him to stay out until it recovered. Why the hell does every player on the ice insist on rushing back?

[slebbeog]

Originally Posted by Lion of the North

It's Antti-Jussi Niemi, a defenseman from Frölunda in the SEL.

...yet, Finnish SM-League team "Pelicans" from Lahti, actually has a goalie named "Antti Niemi".

Anyways, better for the future. Yet a lot worse for Finnish team in OG.

Now get that groin fixed! (Hitch might let him rest a bit, the minutes Joni is dealing, aint helping the recovery. Just watch how he skates!)

[Vikke]

This sucks, too.
I really wanted to see him in the Olympics. Hopefully he recovers well during the break, we need a healthy Joni.

[Jeepers Creeper]

Ok, that's it. I don't care the Olympics anymore..

[Metallian*]

i blame that stupid "World Cup"

it made the Olympics much less special

[Nahkiainen]

It just makes me sick to see players turning down the olympics because of an injury and play 25 minutes the next night. Something is badly wrong here. In no other team sport would this happen. No other.