IIHF World ChampionshipDiscuss International Tournaments like the WJC, Olympics, and World Cup, as they take place, or discuss past tournaments. performances.
The shortage isn't that bad. There are at least two bigger guys (H. Ikonen and Nykopp) who could be fitted into that line in J. Ikonen's place. It wouldn't weaken the skill level significantly and it would add a more physical element. Now it looks like these guys are competing for 4th line spots, and there are more than plenty of suitable guys for that line already.
I wouldn't break up the Aaltonen - Ikonen pair. They have been very good in the SM-liiga together. If anything, they could try one of the bigger more physical wingers and switch Aaltonen to center. Besides Ikonen hasn't had any problems with physical players. He's a fierce forechecker and plays hard, and brings a lot of skill. And it would weaken the skill level significantly if they switched Ikonen to Nykopp. First, Ikonen is much more skilled. Second, Aaltonen has no previous chemistry with Nykopp.
Anyone else not very excited that Teräväinen is being slotted to C?
I don't care as long as there's another player in the line he can freely switch in and out of the slot as the game progresses. If Aaltonen remains with him, Teräväinen being the centre in paper becomes a mere technicality.
Anyone else not very excited that Teräväinen is being slotted to C?
This. When he's played center this season, he's been pretty bad. Aaltonen's played center more and done better.
Quote:
I wouldn't break up the Aaltonen - Ikonen pair. They have been very good in the SM-liiga together. If anything, they could try one of the bigger more physical wingers and switch Aaltonen to center. Besides Ikonen hasn't had any problems with physical players. He's a fierce forechecker and plays hard, and brings a lot of skill. And it would weaken the skill level significantly if they switched Ikonen to Nykopp. First, Ikonen is much more skilled. Second, Aaltonen has no previous chemistry with Nykopp.
I wouldn't break them up, either. I'd leave Ikonen out altogether, I don't see any other place for him except with Aaltonen. But I really don't like the idea of putting these three together. I'd also consider moving Teräväinen to Barkov's line, cutting Haapala altogether and keeping Aaltonen and Ikonen together (and adding the other Ikonen or Nykopp). I don't like having 'unmovable' pieces on the team, and IMO both J. Ikonen (with Aaltonen) and Haapala (with Barkov) could be seen as such. If we keep both, there will be less room to make changes if things don't work out. I'd like to have a bit more versatility than what we would have with a top9 like this one.
I agree. I would love to see him play wing beside Barkov, that would be awesome.
Teräväinen - Barkov - Lehkonen
Salomäki - Granlund - Armia
H. Ikonen - Aaltonen - J. Ikonen
Hännikäinen - Salminen - Lamberg
Pretty much the lines that I have/had on my mind.
3rd line is still competitive.
2nd line gets some size in Armia. They have 'grinder' in Salomäki who can also chip in offensively, playmaker in Granlund and scorer in Armia.
1st line gets hard worker and good forechecker in Lehkonen, he can skate, shoot and score. Barkov does everything and he's D will allow Teräväinen to do little cherry picking offensively. They don't have RH-shooter but we miss those anyways.
Any indication who is going to be the starting goalie? From what I've seen, it looks like most here have Korpisalo penciled in as the starter because he has the best numbers in U20 games this year. But, Perhonen has slightly better club numbers, but worse U20 stats. Laurikainen looks to have solid numbers in the WHL, but has never played on the national team before, and looks to be improving by the day. Juvonen looks to be a distant 4th, with the worst club stats, and worst U20 performance of the three with experience internationally. IMO, it's going to come down to Korpisalo and Laurikainen.
Any indication who is going to be the starting goalie? From what I've seen, it looks like most here have Korpisalo penciled in as the starter because he has the best numbers in U20 games this year. But, Perhonen has slightly better club numbers, but worse U20 stats. Laurikainen looks to have solid numbers in the WHL, but has never played on the national team before, and looks to be improving by the day. Juvonen looks to be a distant 4th, with the worst club stats, and worst U20 performance of the three with experience internationally. IMO, it's going to come down to Korpisalo and Laurikainen.
Coah Harri Rindell was interviewed during the Finlans-Sweden EHT game and according to those who saw it, he pretty much indicated that Korpisalo was the number 1 goalie.
However, that would only make the third line even smaller and less talented, which I'm not happy with. Of course then again, if Granlund proves to be solid centerman at this level, or Teräväinen can play center as well as wing, you could move Salomäki to 3rd line C, which would at least bring some grit there.
Just to clarify, Granlund is Markus Granlund right?
Yes, Mikael is 92 born.
Quote:
Originally Posted by WeThreeKings
Korpisalo the number 1 goalie?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jussi
Coah Harri Rindell was interviewed during the Finlans-Sweden EHT game and according to those who saw it, he pretty much indicated that Korpisalo was the number 1 goalie.
Coah Harri Rindell was interviewed during the Finlans-Sweden EHT game and according to those who saw it, he pretty much indicated that Korpisalo was the number 1 goalie.
He said that Team Finland has 3 good goalies and they will choose the number 1 goalie after the preparation games against USA and Canada.
Pittsburgh Penguinsin kanssa jo NHL-sopimuksenkin solminut osaa kaiken: peruspelissä ratkaisut ovat lähes poikkeuksetta oikeita ja kiekollinenkin peli on kehittynyt. Osaa lukea peliä ja sijoittuu yleensä erittäin hyvin.
Quote:
Translated: Määttä who already has made contract with Pittsburgh Penguins can do it all: Makes the right choice almost every time in basic/normal situations and puck moving abilities have improved. Reads the game well and positioning is usually very good.
Helminen will be back as the U20s head coach next season.
Thanks for ruining my day.
If this turns out to be true, Kale is pissing on the Young Lions again. It is NOT the right job for a guy who is still trying to figure out how to be a coach.
Oh well. Let's hope he's picked up at least something from his season with Ilves. Helminen in 2014 will be at least a little better than Helminen in 2012... right? Right?
