Aleksander Barkov’s stunt was dumbfounded – “Not many in the world do”

Zürich

Finland–Germany 3–1 (1–0, 0–0, 2–1)

Lions got off to a solid start to the World Cup when they beat Germany 3-1 in Friday’s opening match.

Lions head coach Antti Pennanen was overall satisfied with the opening match.

“A good start to the game. The first 20 minutes were good. We generally defended very well – except for Germany’s goal,” Pennanen said.

“Good superiority, good Overpower and a hard fighting look. A lot of good, and as it must be at this point, you must also be able to develop.”

The lions were full of steel, especially in special situations. Finland nailed two possession goals from its three possessions.

The lions also killed all five in the ice.

Opening night the march was led by a captain Alexander Barkov the number one power play, which scored both power play goals.

The successes right from the start brought a lot of oxygen to the Lions’ camp.

“As one of the top golfers in the world says, when the openings hit the field, it makes putting easier,” Pennanen mused.

What clicked the most?

“Good players. Incredibly good players and a hard tempo. They pass quickly and it’s a hard tempo. And we dare to take such tight games as well. Top players.”

According to Pennanen, the players have a lot of freedom to play with superiority and also play on a level playing field.

“The coaches support and give frameworks, and give some tips about the opponent, so that’s really it.”

“But those goals weren’t drawn on a flipchart, they actually played themselves.”

The lions The 2–0 goal was especially a masterpiece.

Jesse Puljujärvi in the finishing goal, a parade example of Barkov’s genius was seen when he let go Teuvo Teräväinen (0+2) knowingly passed the pass through his legs to Puljujärvi, who was waiting at the back post.

Barkov didn’t get an assist in the goal, but the mental number one assist in the goal belongs to him.

“It is [Barkov] absolutely amazing. Not many people do that,” Pennanen sneered.

“I haven’t looked at the situation again, but did he touch it so much that he raised the club or just ‘leaked’, but in any case it is… not many people do that in the world.”

Overall, Barkov’s World Cup opening was pleasing to the head coach’s eye.

“Hard work ethic and very confident professional hockey. After not playing for a year, the third game, he’s a great player,” Pennanen described Barkov’s opening match.

Lions is possibly getting some more top NHL talent in their offense.

Anaheim Ducks’ Finnish star by Mikael Granlund the season ended the night before Friday in the NHL playoffs.

After the opening of the World Cup, Pennanen commented carefully on where Granlund is going.

“I’ve been in contact with him, but I’ve had little else here, so (GM) Jere Lehtinen probably can answer that. I understand the question, of course. “