IIHF World ChampionshipDiscuss International Tournaments like the WJC, Olympics, and World Cup, as they take place, or discuss past tournaments. performances.
Filppula - Koivu - Ruutu
Jokinen - Granlund - Korpikoski
Leino- OJ- Bergenheim (OJ said he quit but he'll be back for 2014)
Hartikainen - Barkov - Joensuu
Hagman
Erkka knows this. It is why he has decided to take along Mikko Koivu and Tuomo Ruutu. They're brilliant young players, he says, and represent the future of Finnish hockey.
He also laments that Teppo Numminen, Aki Berg and Jere Lehtinen decided to end their careers prematurely. They still had plenty of step left in them, according to him.
God I hate this lineup. Just a nice example how this "Nuori Suomi" -project killed a total generation. No right handnesses at TOP12 offence, and Vatanen only RHD, because every guy had to be from the same mold. Being different was a weakness. Just disastrous thinking.
2018 and the future after that will be so much better. Creative, confident new generation.
He certainly has scored good amount of points in KHL but hasn't really been that successful in national team. Also I'm not sure if he's the guy for 3rd line center job. I could see Barkov getting a chance or even using Kapanen as 3rd line center. Plus there's atleast Kontiola and Filppula who definitely could challenge for the spot (and probably others I can't remember).
He certainly has scored good amount of points in KHL but hasn't really been that successful in national team. Also I'm not sure if he's the guy for 3rd line center job. I could see Barkov getting a chance or even using Kapanen as 3rd line center. Plus there's atleast Kontiola and Filppula who definitely could challenge for the spot (and probably others I can't remember).
I agree with you on Lehterä. He needs to start producing rather soon on the NT if he wants to be even considered for the Olympics. Barkov and Kontiola are the strongest candidates for the 3rd line center spot at the moment, IMO. Kapanen may not play on the NT anymore.
My offensive lines would look something like this:
I know OJ's said he won't play on the national team anymore, but Westerlund may have a shot at convincing him to come back. Also, Armia's a long shot and he'd have to be amazing right from the start in the NHL to make the team, but this is more of an ideal lineup, not the most realistic one.
If OJ still refuses to come back, either Filppula or Granlund will center the 2nd line. If Armia doesn't make the team, J. Jokinen could be moved to the 2nd line, Bergenheim to 3rd line and a guy like Joensuu or Hartikainen can take the free 4th line winger spot.
It can be discussed whether Ruutu should be placed on the same line with Koivu anymore, but I think Granlund could benefit from Ruutu's style. Also, that line has no sniper, but then again, how many proven snipers do we have at the moment (besides Teemu, who may not even be playing come 2014)?
Also, that line has no sniper, but then again, how many proven snipers do we have at the moment (besides Teemu, who may not even be playing come 2014)?
This, I think, is the biggest issue we have coming into these games that's been evident for the last couple of years. We have none.
Tuomo Ruutu is the closest thing of the utility forward mold that one can try to convert into a scorer mold. Jussi Jokinen and Hagman are others, but having these patchwork solutions populate the top-six is far from ideal, or even passable.
This is why some are even clinging to hope that Erkka might be able to convince Teemu to show up one last time. Methinks those are pretty bad delusions though.
Therefore, I've been watching intently any possible rising sniper type we have. Armia, Pulkkinen, Sakari Salminen and others. In fact, I think we should take one of those anyway, no matter if they have other weaknesses that might not make 'em completely ready for best-on-best hockey yet. Our system is based on solid teamwork, so let the others help out in those areas they're lacking, if they just bring something to the table others don't have.
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And, what's up with you guys bringing Barkov to these lineups? I'm not saying the kid would not be able, he's that good, but the picks are - give or take a few days - exactly a year away. And in the time of that year, everything needs to go better than expected for him to have a realistic shot. Based on pure raw talent he's still a long one, because it isn't going to be enough for a guy like Erkka to just hand him a ticket.
OJ is back Selänne still best scorer of finns in NHL every season. No JJ cause loses in battles at boards and behind net and thats the only stradegy Finns have used- before blueline flip the puck to enemys end and skate. Thats why we need experienced ,fast&strong players.
In defence i rather take big boys cause most of top countries forwards are huge.
I disagree with inserting "unsure" oldtimers. Though if we can move 'em to the "sure" column over the year, it becomes whole another issue.
Also, have to disagree with both the YLE team and loudis that J.Jokinen doesn't have room. Our forward situation hasn't exactly improved (yet) since Vancouver, so there's absolutely no chance whatsoever to drop such a seasoned NHL regular second time a row, unless Barkov and Teräväinen and/or Armia break it in next fall and immediately become Malkin and Teemu vol 2, respectively.
I disagree with inserting "unsure" oldtimers. Though if we can move 'em to the "sure" column over the year, it becomes whole another issue.
Also, have to disagree with both the YLE team and loudis that J.Jokinen doesn't have room. Our forward situation hasn't exactly improved (yet) since Vancouver, so there's absolutely no chance whatsoever to drop such a seasoned NHL regular second time a row, unless Barkov and Teräväinen and/or Armia break it in next fall and immediately become Malkin and Teemu vol 2, respectively.
Agreed. We can't count on the vets to be in this condition come next season. I'm not inserting them into my roster until the fall.
I also disagree with them on giving Lehterä the 2nd line C spot. What has he shown in the NT to earn it? Nothing. He's one of the best offensive centers in the KHL, but unless he produces big time in the WC this spring, he shouldn't be anywhere near the team. I'd rather use O. Jokinen, J. Jokinen or Filppula there. Or even Saku, if I had to decide based on current performance.
YLE also seems to hate Pitkänen, but come on, we all know we can't afford to leave Joni as the 7th D.
I'm sorry this is going to sound severely stupid and for that I apologize but I know how old Selanne is but it doesn't seem like anyone is penciling him in at any facet. Anyone know what that is? I'm assuming someone does, sorry for my ignorance.
I'm sorry this is going to sound severely stupid and for that I apologize but I know how old Selanne is but it doesn't seem like anyone is penciling him in at any facet. Anyone know what that is? I'm assuming someone does, sorry for my ignorance.
Well, it's a possibility that Selänne and Saku Koivu are in chosen to the Olympic team. And I would have them gladly if they play next year like they are playing now (certainly an improvement over some of these guys that are put into lineups). I'm going to give it a try:
Mikko is the clear 1st center but his wingers could chance but I expect one of Filppula and Ruutu to be with him. Other possibilities are Granlund and Jokinen really, Korpikoski too if there are some injuries.
2nd line should have the old guys with some workhorse like Korpikoski who can also score. 3rd line could be an offensive or defensive type of line. I really hope that OJ wants to play for Finland, he would make the center depth better. I can see Ruutu on the wing instead of Granlund if the latter plays better on the top line.
There are a bunch of players who could get to 4th line, only Komarov is a clear lock but he could be on some other line. Kontiola was great in last WC and someone like Joensuu, Hartikainen, Petrell could take Bergenheim's spot. Barkov, Kapanen, Lehterä can be considered for the center role.
Goalkeeping should be fine. Defence worries me the most, Salo and Timonen are good but old, Lydman is ok but he sometimes overtries and it leads to mistakes. Pitkänen is ok too, not great. Väänänen is a lock for bottom pairing. Then there are a bunch of young promising defencemen: Vatanen, Rissanen, Ristolainen, Määttä, Pokka... Can they be trusted in the Olympics already?
