Jon Cooper praised Finnish

Boston

Should A hockey chase was a huge disappointment for Canada if it did not manage to clear their way to the 4 Nations tournament finals on the expense of the Lions on Monday.

Canada leaves for fate as a big favorite, but the Lions flashed their impact by pouring Swedish on Saturday in overtime Mikael Granlund with paint.

Based on the eve of the game day, the Canadians do not fall into underestimating the tiny Finland. Canadian head coach, double the winner of the Stanley Cup Jon Cooper Even he gave up a rarely heavy speech for journalists about the Lion in Boston’s TD Garden Uumen.

“Finland came to this tournament in a situation where they had to replace three defenders. In their first match, they lost 6-1, and now, if they win us, they can go to the finals, ”Cooper started.

“Finns have to raise a hat because they always seem to be the team that may not receive the appreciation they deserve before the finals. And then everyone wonders, ‘How did Finland get here?’. But this happens in every tournament. Whether it was in the World Cup or the World Championships, they are always in the top. And that’s because they play a disciplined game, ”Cooper said.

Finnish The national team ice hockey really has done well. Young Lions sensedly reached the finals at the turn of the year in Ottawa, and a couple of years ago, the Lions even dominated Jukka Jalonen with the leadership of international karkel.

Although the best players were not attending the Olympics or World Championships, Cooper seems to appreciate the Finnish way of playing hockey.

“I think every Finn knows how their team plays, they have a clear identity. And then when you look at their team suddenly you notice that there is Mikko Rantanen, Aleksander Barkov, Sebastian Ahoand there is Artturi Lehkonenand the list can continue – players who have won the championships or carried their teams far in the playoffs. And besides, they have always had a cunning goalkeeper, always, ”Cooper outlined.

“It’s really impressive, especially from such a small country. In terms of population, it is unbelievable that Finland produces so many top hockey players and that they have a clear game that they succeed in tournaments. It’s really impressive. ”

Lions The defense took its wings drastically before the tournament when Miro Heiskanen, Rasmus Ristolainen and Jani Hakanpää had to stay aside.

Canadian team as a deputy in the middle of the tournament in Dallas Stars Thomas Harley has followed the impressed how his teammate Esa Lindell has contracted huge minutes.

“Esa will probably play 30 minutes on Monday,” Harley predicted.

“He is excellent for defending and never placed wrong. Good skater and use her club skillfully. Repeats simple solutions time and time again, ”Harley praised.

Lindell and Harley have become good friends in Dallas, but the mouth is still in the direction or another.

“We give each other a rape. But in a good way. ”