Iltalehti’s hockey expert Annina Rajahuhta evaluates the key players of the Lions.
Still on the sidelines of the opening match Mikael Granlund According to Iltalehti’s competition studio, he is not only the most famous player in Lions, possibly also the best player.
The Nashville striker has played 671 NHL regular season games, earning 64 power points this season.
– He is a world-class top player and will lead the Lions’ offensive game, Annina Rajahuhta says and smokes the versatility of Granlund.
– Able to rhythm the game, keep the puck in a small space and create places for chain friends.
Rajahuhta believes Granlund’s venue will be at the top of the chain Sakari Mannisen and Teemu Hartikainen chest.
In the spring of 2019, he became a national hero on the gold team Marko Anttila is a mentally big leader in the locker room, according to Rajahuhta.
– He couldn’t give the best of himself in league leagues, but he has always found a really suitable role in Lions.
– We have to lift the whole chain of Olympics, Rajahuhta also reminds Hannes Björnisen and Saku Mäenalasen contribution.
– They were often able to take the puck in the defense area and bring it to the attack area and keep it there. Then the number one chain remains to start the game directly from the attack area.
Sami Vatanen gets his hands on smoke. Jami Ivanoff / AOP
Iltalehti’s competition studio makes the experienced lion’s first defender Sami Vatasen.
– So brave and insightful puck player, Rajahuhta praises.
Goalkeeper game
The question of the number one guard makes Rajahuhta pensive.
– Oh ai ai, bad question. Harri Säteri played tremendous games at the Olympics, however Jussi Olkinuora has put on really sure excerpts in practice games. Maybe a head coach Jukka Jalonen give both goalkeepers a chance at the top here. Then, as the tournament progresses, let’s see which one is in better shape.
Rajahuhta reminds that in Leijon, players must also fit into the team as individuals.
– We want them to be committed to common ways of working and to get along with the team. Such values influence choices a lot, the four-time value medalist says.