The Lions’ decision in Canada surprised everyone

The journalists’ pencils in Montréal were sharpened before the first exercises of the Lions 4 Nations.

There were many questions and answers were expected to be made with an eye. Who are the number one center Alexander Barkov Pier? Who are other central attackers? To which chain Patrik Laine Current fitness and tire are enough? Which defenders are playing overwhelming? Or are you exceptionally going with five attackers? Whether Juuse Saros Number one?

However, the Lions pulled the head coach Antti Pennanen With the lead, only 11 field players and two goalkeepers skated on the ice.

The solution was exceptional. For example, on Monday, Canada pulled a full ice exercise with ready -made chain compositions, including overwhelming workouts.

In the morning’s decision

Finland’s bet was amazed at North American media. Head coach Pennanen answered the question about training in English at a press conference.

– We wanted to save energy on games. Today was a day of return, Pennanen said.

The head coach deepened the matter in Finnish.

– We made a decision this morning. We wanted to save little energy for games. We have two exercises plus morning ice, which is enough.

– Players have also played a lot lately. That too. Not all players would have come on the ice, so we wanted to do this.

For example, the Lions would have practiced more than Canada if Finland had done a full workout on Monday.

Canada will face Swedish Finnish time in the tournament opening match on Thursday at 3:00. Finland and the US will play the second game of the tournament a day later.

Montréal’s Lions program is as follows: Ice exercises on Tuesday and Wednesday, Thursday morning and evening game.

Succinct

Injuries have tormented the lions. Pennanen was asked if all the players were in order.

– They are.

Was specifically inquired about Mikko Rantanen the situation. Rantanen was on the sidelines for his team’s Carolina Hurricanes’ previous match against Utah due to a lower body injury.

– He’s ready for the first game, Pennanen said.

What about Patrik Laine?

– You will see it.

The first chain compositions have been decided.

– Tomorrow, with these prospects, everyone will come on the ice and we will be able to practice well.

Florida Panthers Anton Lundell I shook the question of chain compositions.

– I’ll leave you tension until tomorrow. If others haven’t told them, I wouldn’t say myself, Lundell said.

Team captain Alexander Barkov Either the questions about the chains were cunningly presented by presenting the ignorant, or the knowledge of the quays and overwhelming compositions had not yet reached the captain.

– The coaches make decisions. No more than chains yet. Let’s see tomorrow when there are the first team training, Barkov said.

Playbook

Lions players are not worried that there is no more time for team training. Of course, the situation is the same for all teams.

– We have received a message and info in the past how we want to play. Even in this tournament, hockey has not been renewed. Many have played with that system. It’s simple. Then it is how Finland has always played – we are a cohesive team and everyone plays as well as possible, Barkov said.

In reality, the Lions 4 Nations project has been spinning in the background for a long time.

– It started already in the summer. After that, we had meetings with the players about how they were used to playing. We made a summary, a playbook that was sent last week. In Montréal we had a short video conference and now we still have five meetings, head coach Pennanen said.

On the other hand, according to Pennanen, Finland wants to keep the game as simple as possible so that players can play the so -called spinal cord.

– Especially for attacks, departure from the defense area will be quite simple. We try to be a good team at the defensive end, Pennanen said.

– Teamwork is the main thing for us. It is part of Finnish hockey. We try to be a team that is hard to play. Good defense and care with the reel.