Mikael Granlund was missing from the Lions’ ranks: “There is nothing bigger”

A block after the thriller-like stages of the final match, Leijonat, who lost to Switzerland late on Tuesday, returned to the ice on Wednesday.

The lions’ half-day practice was voluntary. However, almost the entire team practiced on the ice. 20 players were sweating in the arena.

Only the star striker was missing from the ranks Mikael Granlund and top defender Henri Jokihar. Neither does the head coach Antti from Penna not seen on ice.

After the exercises, Pennanen arrived casually in shorts to the interview point and told more information about Granlund and Jokiharju.

“There is nothing major. They will play tomorrow. They had a long journey back from North America, and there are always small bumps, but we will see in the evening. After that, we will lock the line-up,” commented Pennanen.

The goal of the Lions will continue without any last-minute surprises Justus Annunenwho has saved five of the seven matches of the tournament.

Lions will face the Czech Republic in Thursday’s World Cup quarter-final.

“The Czech Republic has a tight five in both directions. They defend a lot from low. That’s actually the big deal: a really tight five on every side of the field,” Pennanen described.

According to Pennanen, the old assumptions about solo Czech players should be forgotten.

“It hasn’t been like that for a long time. Kari Jalonen the handprint can be seen in the Czech game. They play that type of hockey, and they’ve been successful with it, so they haven’t set out to change it.”

With one player, the Lions have to be especially careful. The 40-year-old captain of the Czech Republic Roman Cervenka is still the talisman player of the Czech Republic.

“When there was a question about individuals earlier, I said Cervenka. All in all, a great player. Skilled. Still able to twist,” Pennanen mentioned.

The initial block the final match against Switzerland was the first tough test of the tournament for the Lions, which ended in a 2–4 ​​loss for the Lions.

What did that match reveal?

“Perhaps we hadn’t prepared as well as we would have liked. The goals came a little quickly at the beginning, and that caused something, but we recovered well. If you look at our control, it wouldn’t have been wrong to have won. A little too much ice time,” Pennanen said.

“Of course, the opponent was really good, but there was no such big deal that ‘just kidding, now this or that’ doesn’t work. A little fine-tuning, more like that. However, tomorrow is a completely different type of opponent, so you shouldn’t get too attached to yesterday.”

Pennanen was satisfied with how Leijonat reacted to the two-goal shock start in the infernal horn boiler.

“Everyone knew in advance that the hall was full and the atmosphere was strong. Maybe there was rather a bit of overcharging. We doubled in the wrong places and tackled a little too enthusiastically. The goals also partly resulted from situations where the charging went a little overboard.”

“The professional players took it the right way. We knew that some things needed to be developed, and of course we were disappointed with the result (2-4 loss). But there was no wrong reaction. We also knew that Switzerland must have felt like they were tough because we had so many opportunities,” said Pennanen.

“And it must also be said that the atmosphere in yesterday’s game was quite exceptional. You don’t get to experience that very often. The players also said the same, even those who play in the NHL.”

Lions is the early favorite against the Czech Republic in the World Cup quarter-final. Discipline is one big theme in Destiny.

“Probably the USA game was one where pucks were lost a bit, but otherwise we have been committed and disciplined. Of course you have to be able to do it for 60 minutes,” Pennanen said.

“Two good teams play against each other, so the margins are small. That’s what we’re aiming for, and I do believe that tomorrow will be a top-level game.”