The principle of even play is no longer the most sensible way when there are two clearly better defenders in the team, writes Riku Isokoski.
The lions got great news from the beginning of the week when the glory of Dallas arrives in Tampere. Miro Heiskanen and Esa Lindell are the toughest level of package reinforcements Lion has ever played in the World Cup.
However, the joining of Heiskanen and Lindell on the team puts Leijon in the balance of a system that has brought a lot of success. Does it make sense to continue with four even-playing pairs of packs if there are two other clearly better defenders in the lineup?
There are undeniable advantages to playing in four pairs. The main benefit is the energy advantage over opponents when defenders have shorter playing times on average. This is reflected in the fast-paced tournament, especially at the end of the playoffs.
In the regular season, both Heiskanen and Lindell contracted an average of well over 20 minutes per match. Heiskanen’s average playing time was almost 25 minutes and in the playoffs well above it.
With high school short math, one can calculate that if the Dallas defenders continue at the same playing time as in the NHL, there would be only about 35 minutes left in the match for the other three pairs.
If one pair devours the lion’s share of playing time, the playing of four pairs will not work properly.
Head coach Jukka Jalonen is facing a strict solution. Will the way that championships be abandoned or will the old model be continued in four pairs?
Heiskanen and Lindell are used to playing a lot and a drop in playing time at the World Cup could provoke a stir. On the other hand, both are such high-quality players at the World Cup level that steady playing with other defenders would be tree-headed nonsense.
I haven’t put any control games in my life, but I believe and argue that with Lindell and Heiskanen, the best way for Lions would be to play with three pairs of decks.
And when it comes to coping with important games, Heiska and Lindell are loaded with so much in the NHL that it’s not a problem. Top quality players are able to play at a high level, even if the buttermilk is in their infancy.
It is also interesting to see Heiskanen’s load, especially in special situations.
It is strongly part of Jalonen’s philosophy that the game is played by different defenders, but Heiskanen has a great deal of responsibility in both of them in the NHL.
He is known to be a superstar expert in both areas. Beyond this advantage, Lions cannot sleep.