Changes at the last minute – Lions pulled a real ace from the sleeve

The Lions fields were revealed to the hockey fans on Tuesday when Finland did the first full -time team exercise during the 4 Nations national team tournament at the Montréal Bell Center.

One of the most interesting solutions is the number one power where five attackers play: Alexander Barkov, Patrik Laine, Roope Hintz, Sebastian Aho and Mikko Rantanen. Of the five, Barkov is in defender as a line player.

Lions head coach Antti Pennanen Lighting the process in the background of the ace pulled from the sleeve.

– When first (Miro) Heiskanen missed and then yet (Raster) Ristoour overwhelming went to a new reflection. Then it was also the question of whether we would use five attackers. Over the weekend, we made the decision that Barkov was on the line, Pennanen said at a post -training press conference.

Barkov has also played in Pak on the line of Pak on his club team in the Florida Panthers in the NHL.

– When I looked at the practice, it was really homely that place was felt for him. There are five good players with each other, so I believe it works well. It’s important to us and I don’t see any problem. Players are very committed to that arrangement.

The number one place in the first power was originally reserved for self -reserved Dallas Stars For Miro Heiskanenwho was recently injured in the NHL regular season match.

A new club?

In the Florida Panthers, the role of Barkov’s overwhelming is to bring the puck to the area and run the game on the attacker’s place.

– Now I don’t have to bring the area out of the area but give the puck off, drop down. “Sepe” and Roope bring the puck to the area. I also play a role.

What if the puck is in the area?

– We just talked that if there is a chance to shoot, it is the best option. The more reel you get to the finish, the better.

Mikko Rantanen carved that Barkov had to put the club in exchange.

– He probably takes some bigger flex club to leave the terrible warmth. When there are good players, there is no problem where you play, Rantanen said.

According to Barkov, he has only good options for feeds.

– Wherever I give the reel, we get a good continuation. Of course, when you are the lowest in the player’s line, you also have to play on the confidence so you don’t always go upward.

“Could play as a pack”

Lions solution is extremely rare but not completely exceptional. Rantanen recalled that he had played the power of five strikers at the 2018 World Cup.

– Well it will definitely go. Barkov is a smart player. He could probably play as a pack anyway. I don’t doubt at all that it would work, Rantanen said.

Rantanen and Laine are especially provided by the launch threat.

-“Patella” is probably one of the NHL’s best One-Timers and Shots. We are trying to get there threatening to get kutti, Rantanen said.

– Probably places can change and can be played organic to prevent too many patterns.

Puzzle

According to head coach Pennanen, the Lions were pondered “to the end” of the attack chains and defense pairs.

– We wanted to see even more games and see which things and the pairs work. To the end, we are pondering and it is always an interesting puzzle.

The Lions did not yet reveal the start -up goalkeeper. The options are Juuse Saros, Kevin Lankinen and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.

– We have three really good goalkeepers. I don’t know yet who will start against the US. Tomorrow I know more about it. We have a plan, Pennanen said.