Finland’s rally at the first break was a perfect success.
Something magical happened in the Lions’ locker room during the first halftime of the Canada game.
Finland went into the booth with a 1–2 defeat, but only 13 minutes passed after the break, when the game was already 4–2.
Vili Saarijärvi said that head coach Antti Pennanen made the first speech in the locker room.
– We talked about playing with the puck and getting into situations. Not given a chance to pass. We handled it well, Saarijärvi said.
Aleksander Barkov told more about the events of the booth.
– We said that we need to return to this situation and not think about anything but the second round. That’s what we did, we got down to business and scored goals.
Full reset
Antti Pennanen’s crew came in second by flying. Pasi Liesimaa
When Finland took the lead, the team’s grip did not loosen. Sidney Crosby also said that the leading Lions group is a tough piece to break.
Saarijärvi praised the way Finland reset Canada’s kiri.
– In the third set, we played tough and smart. Nothing special, but we defended well and patiently.
According to Aatu Rädy, Finland managed to adapt its game during the evening.
– Against such tough players, the plan doesn’t always go perfectly. I have to adapt and do the numbers in the middle of the game. You can’t just agree on everything that is done. We succeeded really well in that, Räty praised.
Sentteri finished Finland’s fourth goal and fanned wildly.
– I have scored a goal in one of the A-junnu finals, but this game is a bit tougher, he said.
Vili Saarijärvi and the rest of the Lions defense closed the doors. Pasi Liesimaa
