Don't think the finns will have any medal with these lineups they really need a few nhlers to take over their attack because the offense was terrible last year and couldn't even score against Denmark's defence.
Hank Pikkarainen has done great stats in Elitserien. Is there any chance that he would be in the final roster? Last time when I see him was 2009 so I dont know what kind of player he's nowadays. Anyhow those stats are pretty impressive and I'd like to hear your opinions.
How has Ilkka Heikkinen played this season? I've always liked him and his stats this season aren't half bad. I think he should definitely be one of the first names on the team when looking for d-men outside of North America.
Don't think the finns will have any medal with these lineups they really need a few nhlers to take over their attack because the offense was terrible last year and couldn't even score against Denmark's defence.
many of us just want rebuild and test now young players.
Don't think the finns will have any medal with these lineups they really need a few nhlers to take over their attack because the offense was terrible last year and couldn't even score against Denmark's defence.
I think that by the Finns depends a lot on how the goalie will play. If they have a really good goalie there is a lot possible, even if there are not so many NHL'ers or other big names on the roster.
I remember last year nobody gave the Finns a chance to play for the medals. But they only lost the quarterfinal against the Czechs the later champions in OT, thanks to the gaolie. With a little bit more luck or a better tactic after the early opening score by the Finns there was chance to reach the semifinal.
I remember last year nobody gave the Finns a chance to play for the medals. But they only lost the quarterfinal against the Czechs the later champions in OT, thanks to the gaolie. With a little bit more luck or a better tactic after the early opening score by the Finns there was chance to reach the semifinal.
Carolina: Jussi Jokinen F, Tuomo Ruutu F, Joni Pitkänen D (Joni usually needs to heal)
Toronto
Atlanta
New Jersey: Anssi Salmela D
Islanders: Jesse Joensuu F, Mikko Koskinen G (likely in Minors?)
Florida
Ottawa
Dallas: Kari Lehtonen G
Calgary: Niklas Hagman F, Olli Jokinen F, Miikka Kiprusoff G (likely sun bathing)
Minnesota Niklas Bäckström G, M.Koivu F (out of shape/injured), Antti Miettinen F
Columbus: Sami Lepistö D
St.Louis
Colorado
Edmonton: Teemu Hartikainen F
Not a bad bunch... Not likely to get all though...
Carolina: Jussi Jokinen F(contract ends, wants to come but will probably think twice especially if theres injuries) , Tuomo Ruutu F(wants to come), Joni Pitkänen (contract ends, unlikely to come)
Toronto
Atlanta
New Jersey: Anssi Salmela D (contract ends but probably wants)
Islanders: Jesse Joensuu F(no need) Mikko Koskinen G (no need)
Florida
Ottawa
Dallas: Kari Lehtonen G (could come)
Calgary: Niklas Hagman F(concussion - if healthy could come), Olli Jokinen F (not coming), Miikka Kiprusoff G (no need)
Minnesota Niklas Bäckström G (could come - not really needed), M.Koivu F (would be huge but hes healing so probably not), Antti Miettinen F (no need)
Columbus: Sami Lepistö D (wants to come, RFA so might think twice)
St.Louis
Colorado
Edmonton: Teemu Hartikainen F (no need)
Realistically would be huge if Lepistö, Salmela, Ruutu, (J.Jokinen, Koivu, Hagman) could come. I think our europe players are capable filling the team just fine.
Bäcks, Kari, Rinne potential tenders with KHL ones.
Realistically would be huge if Lepistö, Salmela, Ruutu, (J.Jokinen, Koivu, Hagman) could come. I think our europe players are capable filling the team just fine.
Bäcks, Kari, Rinne potential tenders with KHL ones.
I really think Joensuu would be a good addition.. And Bäckström is our best tender. If he wants to come you make room for him. Finnish free agents usually want to lace up anyway so I don't think it is a problem for anyone who would be a key member of the team.
Miettinen was horrible last time around with buttloads of icetime, but if kept with little icetime and with a guy like Niko, few beats him on the national team.
Carolina: Jussi Jokinen F, Tuomo Ruutu F, Joni Pitkänen D (Joni usually needs to heal)
Toronto
Atlanta
New Jersey: Anssi Salmela D
Islanders: Jesse Joensuu F, Mikko Koskinen G (likely in Minors?)
Florida
Ottawa
Dallas: Kari Lehtonen G
Calgary: Niklas Hagman F, Olli Jokinen F, Miikka Kiprusoff G (likely sun bathing)
Minnesota Niklas Bäckström G, M.Koivu F (out of shape/injured), Antti Miettinen F
Columbus: Sami Lepistö D
St.Louis
Colorado
Edmonton: Teemu Hartikainen F
Not a bad bunch... Not likely to get all though...
Realistically we will probably get:
Niklas Backstrom & Tuomo Ruutu. Not counting on anyone else especially when several are under contract negotiations.
The Oilers are out of the playoffs, but Harti won't get a chance unless the Barons fail as well. Still, I'm hoping he plays in the tourney. I love cheering for the Fins, and he's just another reason to watch!
