Does Finland have chances?

I think Finland can suprise in Torino if they get all the good players there. I mean nobody gets injured and so on...
Selanne is back in his prime after couple bad years and Koivu and Lehtinen are playing good. That line is sure and it can be good as legendary years...also Pitkanen is developing star, Kiprusoff seems to be good goalie (not shooting star). Always there is Kari Lehtonen if he can recovery from injury. Tuomo Ruutu is one to be proud of. Hopefully T.Ruutu will recover too...I think the success type of World Cup. Maybe bronze-medal is something Finland can achieve...
Sorry about bad english.

I think Finland can suprise in Torino if they get all the good players there. I mean nobody gets injured and so on...
Selanne is back in his prime after couple bad years and Koivu and Lehtinen are playing good. That line is sure and it can be good as legendary years...also Pitkanen is developing star, Kiprusoff seems to be good goalie (not shooting star). Always there is Kari Lehtonen if he can recovery from injury. Tuomo Ruutu is one to be proud of. Hopefully T.Ruutu will recover too...I think the success type of World Cup. Maybe bronze-medal is something Finland can achieve...
Sorry about bad english.

Obviously Finland can compete with the best in the world.

However, even though they went to the Final of the World Cup, I am still not completely sold on them as an international powerhouse, simply because they seem to lack top-end talent and top-end depth. Saying that though, they do play very well as a team, and sometimes that is all that can matter.

If I had to bet money, I say that they finish 3rd in their group (with Canada and Czech Republic taking 1st and 2nd). Then I think that Finland will lose to either Sweden or Russia in the first elimination game of the medal round.

But that is just a preliminary prediction, and probably does not mean much 3 months before the Olympics even start.

Obviously Finland can compete with the best in the world.

However, even though they went to the Final of the World Cup, I am still not completely sold on them as an international powerhouse, simply because they seem to lack top-end talent and top-end depth. Saying that though, they do play very well as a team, and sometimes that is all that can matter.

If I had to bet money, I say that they finish 3rd in their group (with Canada and Czech Republic taking 1st and 2nd). Then I think that Finland will lose to either Sweden or Russia in the first elimination game of the medal round.

But that is just a preliminary prediction, and probably does not mean much 3 months before the Olympics even start.

I think that in the final will be Russia and Canada. But definitely Finland can beat Swedes.

They are always underdogs and I'm sure they like it that way!

I hope they do good in the tournament (untill they meet Russia) :D

But definitely Finland can beat Swedes.

What makes you think that?

Now that Sweden has Lundqvist in net they have a very scary team IMO. :teach:

Sweden always looses to Finland in best-on-best tournaments. It happened in the Olympics in '98. It never got that far in '02 (because as we all know, Belarus did them in befor Finland got a shot) and they did it in the World Cup in '04. It will happen again.

Of course Finland has great chances. They were excellent in the World Cup and playing on big ice will only help them since they are excellent skaters and hard workers. Stricter rule interpretations will also help them.

They sure do.Finland will have 4 good,solid lines to go with great goaltending.With a good game plan executed at a high level,it's a recipe for success.

I hope Ville makes the team. :handclap:

The chances get better every year. Right now Team Finland is improving more than most of the top 7 nations. If all our players are healthy in Turin, it will be the best team ever. Last year in the WC we missed Sami Kapanen and in the 2002 OGs we missed Saku Koivu.

Sweden always looses to Finland in best-on-best tournaments. It happened in the Olympics in '98. It never got that far in '02 (because as we all know, Belarus did them in befor Finland got a shot) and they did it in the World Cup in '04. It will happen again.

Of course Finland has great chances. They were excellent in the World Cup and playing on big ice will only help them since they are excellent skaters and hard workers. Stricter rule interpretations will also help them.


Even if Sweden won against Belarus.... they would have never faced Finland as Finland lost in the stage of the competition as well, to Canada

I think Finland is an underdog for a Bronze, which they can pull off like in 98' if they play as a team more than any other nation.

However, I see Finland losing in the Quarters, or coming 4th at best.

Personnally, based on hockey (and not some rosters and depth discussions), Finland is just as good as Sweden.

I think all of the big 7 (Can, USA, Cze, Svk, Rus, Fin, Swe) have good enough skaters to take home the gold. If any of those teams have a red hot goalie (like Hasek in 98), they will probably win it all. Right now Lundquist, Kipper and Hasek look pretty scary, so Finland definitely has a shot!
Canada has a lot of great goalies, but nobody who is "on fire" right now in my opinion, and that has me a bit concerned!

I think all of the big 7 (Can, USA, Cze, Svk, Rus, Fin, Swe) have good enough skaters to take home the gold. If any of those teams have a red hot goalie (like Hasek in 98), they will probably win it all. Right now Lundquist, Kipper and Hasek look pretty scary, so Finland definitely has a shot!
Canada has a lot of great goalies, but nobody who is "on fire" right now in my opinion, and that has me a bit concerned!

I have to agree. Every one of those countries has a change to win gold, but top picks to that race are Can,Rus,Cze after that Sweden is the first that comes to my mind, if they have solid goalie.

i think finns has the best defense ever in the Finnish Olympics history, also i would rank our goalies very high. So.. looking at those things i think Finland has chance to get some medals.

With the essential-goaltender factory pumping out goalie after goalie in Finland, I don't see how they can't be counted as a medal contender in any tournament from now on.

USA isn`t good as earlier so Finnish have better chances. And if Finland get best players they really can beat Swedes and Czhecks. Canada might be too strong though

With the essential-goaltender factory pumping out goalie after goalie in Finland, I don't see how they can't be counted as a medal contender in any tournament from now on.

Exactly...there is depth in net where there has never been depth before. There are quite a few quality goalies who can play for the team


Kiprusoff: goes without saying, the #1 job is his to lose
Lethonen: with all groin problems he has had, is a question mark, depends if he is even playing in the NHL
Toskala: some here think he could probably start for some NHL teams
Markkanen: has been alright, a bit inconsistent at times
Niittymaki: has been about as good as Markkanen but has little international experience, could benefit by being on a successful team. Could be the Flyers starter by the time the Olympics roll around.

Personnally, based on hockey (and not some rosters and depth discussions), Finland is just as good as Sweden.

At forward, Sweden is clearly better. Finnish blueliners, however, are currently a notch above Sweden's. Goalie situation has evened out due to Lundqvist's emergence. Basicly it's a wash, I'd say.

Right now I don't have much faith in Westerlund's coaching. I don't know much about Sweden's coaching, though many people are pleased with BÅG.

Like someone mentioned, Finland will need to play as a Team, that's the only way for us to get anywhere.

At forward, Sweden is clearly better. Finnish blueliners, however, are currently a notch above Sweden's. Goalie situation has evened out due to Lundqvist's emergence. Basicly it's a wash, I'd say.

Right now I don't have much faith in Westerlund's coaching. I don't know much about Sweden's coaching, though many people are pleased with BÅG.

Like someone mentioned, Finland will need to play as a Team, that's the only way for us to get anywhere.
i don't know about that.Sweden will have a defense of likely Lidstrom,Norstrom,Ohlund,Backman,Jonnson and you fill in the blanks.That's as good as Finland's i think.

i don't know about that.Sweden will have a defense of likely Lidstrom,Norstrom,Ohlund,Backman,Jonnson and you fill in the blanks.That's as good as Finland's i think.

I see your point but not all of those guys have been playing quite as well as they used to. I think a core of Sami Salo, Joni Pitkänen, Teppo Numminen, Toni Lydman, Kimmo Timonen, Ossi Väänänen and Janne Niinimaa is a notch above them currently. There's a nice balance of offensively minded and stay-at-home guys and a nice balance of youth and experience too.

I think Niinimaa isn`t good thing if he plays in Torin. He has made number of hazards in international competitions...best defensemen in now must be Pitkanen and Salo.

Sweden always looses to Finland in best-on-best tournaments. It happened in the Olympics in '98. It never got that far in '02 (because as we all know, Belarus did them in befor Finland got a shot) and they did it in the World Cup in '04. It will happen again.

Of course Finland has great chances. They were excellent in the World Cup and playing on big ice will only help them since they are excellent skaters and hard workers. Stricter rule interpretations will also help them.

Sweden always looses to finland in best-on-best??
Sweden clearly won 4-1 or 5-2 or something in world cup 96,
a one goal loss in 98, and then 4-4 in world cup 04, they didnt "do it" in '04.

At some pont I would love to see the Swedes face off against the Finns in the playoff round. I really believe that it is the greatest rivalry in international hockey.

At some pont I would love to see the Swedes face off against the Finns in the playoff round. I really believe that it is the greatest rivalry in international hockey.

That happened in Nagano '98...What a day, people were so nervous that day before the game. The game started at noon and I remember the whole university shutting down, classes & lectures cancelled with everybody watching the game from tv or giant projector screen. When Selänne scored first time the whole place went crazy, when he scored the 2nd the whole place exploded, when game ended with Forsberg's shot just missing the net people started yelling, screaming and jumping up and down.

Ahh the memories.

Great memories. Great tournament that, Finland got bronze and we still can be proud of that. Sometimes im bit anger that Finland loss the Russia (read Bure) in semi-final...

That happened in Nagano '98...What a day, people were so nervous that day before the game. The game started at noon and I remember the whole university shutting down, classes & lectures cancelled with everybody watching the game from tv or giant projector screen. When Selänne scored first time the whole place went crazy, when he scored the 2nd the whole place exploded, when game ended with Forsberg's shot just missing the net people started yelling, screaming and jumping up and down.

Ahh the memories.


Is there any place to find that game? any torrents or anything converted to downloadable format?

To me, Finland is like the Calgary Flames of international tournaments. They lack real scoring talent, but they have good defensive depth and strong goaltending. They also skate very well and play a similar defensive, yet very aggressive style of play. If they get on a roll they will be very tough to beat, but in the end they'll probably still end up losing to a more talented team.

They certainly have a chance. The slightest slump for any top contenders can spell disaster. There is no time in the Olympics for a comeback. I'm cheering for Finland, always have, After Canada of course ;)

Absolutely Finland has a chance.

With Aki patrolling the back end for Finland, anything is possible.

Absolutely Finland has a chance.

With Aki patrolling the back end for Finland, anything is possible.


What a joke! hahaha
I haven't see any slower skater or worse hockey player than Berg. Even Sami Helenius beats him...

I haven't see any slower skater or worse hockey player than Berg.

You must be very new to the game of hockey. I bet if you give hockey one more try and watch your second hockey game, you most definitely will find a worse hockey player.

With Aki patrolling the back end for Finland, anything is possible.

That is an ambiguos comment. ;)

That happened in Nagano '98...What a day, people were so nervous that day before the game. The game started at noon and I remember the whole university shutting down, classes & lectures cancelled with everybody watching the game from tv or giant projector screen. When Selänne scored first time the whole place went crazy, when he scored the 2nd the whole place exploded, when game ended with Forsberg's shot just missing the net people started yelling, screaming and jumping up and down.

Ahh the memories.

I was in elementary school at that time and we had our classes canceled and went to watch the game in the auditorium :biglaugh:

Great memories. Great tournament that, Finland got bronze and we still can be proud of that. Sometimes im bit anger that Finland loss the Russia (read Bure) in semi-final...

Finland dominated that game but huge mistakes from the likes of Niinimaa gave the game away. And Myllys was horrible too. Russian Dmen must have felt like slalom sticks, because Selänne and Koivu skated around them all the time and made them look like boy scouts. It's a shame Russia got to the final because honestly they were quite poor in that tournament.
For me that semifinal game in 98' is the most bitter loss ever. We should have won the gold.

Finland dominated that game but huge mistakes from the likes of Niinimaa gave the game away. And Myllys was horrible too. Russian Dmen must have felt like slalom sticks, because Selänne and Koivu skated around them all the time and made them look like boy scouts. It's a shame Russia got to the final because honestly they were quite poor in that tournament.
For me that semifinal game in 98' is the most bitter loss ever. We should have won the gold.

Silver, we woudn't have bested Hasek..

Silver, we woudn't have bested Hasek..

Maybe, maybe not.

best thing Finland has going for it right now is Kiprusoff.He and his team started off slow but have hit a groove now(especially him really) Right now he's their best player hands down and he's one of the best in the game.He's trouble and is sure to give them top notch goaltending.He worries me.

Aite im finding out projected rosters of most of the top 7 countries for Turino, I might be missing some players from this roster so fill me in guys, who thinks who might get on, or if im leaving anyone noteable off who is playing good (in the NHL right now)

S.Kapanen-Koivu-Selanne

Laaksonen-Jokinen-Lehtinen

Eloranta-T.Ruutu-J.Ruutu

Neimenen-m.Koviu-N.Kapanen

Top 6 D- Salo, Timonen, Numminen, Pitkanen, Lydman, Vaananen and aki berg.

Projected starting goalies- Kiprusoff backed up by Toskala or kari lehtonen.

does this seem accurate? ;)

Aite im finding out projected rosters of most of the top 7 countries for Turino, I might be missing some players from this roster so fill me in guys, who thinks who might get on, or if im leaving anyone noteable off who is playing good (in the NHL right now)

S.Kapanen-Koivu-Selanne

Laaksonen-Jokinen-Lehtinen

Eloranta-T.Ruutu-J.Ruutu

Neimenen-m.Koviu-N.Kapanen

Top 6 D- Salo, Timonen, Numminen, Pitkanen, Lydman, Vaananen and aki berg.

Projected starting goalies- Kiprusoff backed up by Toskala or kari lehtonen.

does this seem accurate? ;)


I hope not :)

Eloranta (hopefully) wont make to the team.

Selänne-S.Koivu-Lehtinen,
S.Kapanen-O.Jokinen-T.Ruutu,
J.Jokinen-N.Kapanen-A.Miettinen, Laaksonen-Hahl/M.Koivu-Nieminen.

Salo-Timonen
Pitkänen-Numminen
Lydman-??

Kipper,Lehtonen,Toivonen,Niittymäki?

i think those are closer

Salo-Timonen
Pitkänen-Numminen
Lydman-??



Väänänen is a lock.

I was in elementary school at that time and we had our classes canceled and went to watch the game in the auditorium :biglaugh:

I was in elementary school as well then.

We didn't cancel all of our classes, but our teacher brought his own TV to the classroom and watched the game from it :biglaugh:

Great game... Great feeling :)

I was in elementary school as well then.

We didn't cancel all of our classes, but our teacher brought his own TV to the classroom and watched the game from it :biglaugh:

Great game... Great feeling :)

Elementary school...OMG you people are young :)

Eloranta (hopefully) wont make to the team.



He's been injured all season because of a broken leg so he' couldn't make the team anyway.

Of course any team has a chance to win, but personally I think if Sweden can actually get some goaltending this year from their kid that alone will make them the most improved team.

I hope they do well, they're my team after the US of course

Elementary school...OMG you people are young :)

You're looking it from the wrong POV.

We're not young, you're old ;)

They will go in as the dark horse, and pull an upset in the round robin over 1 of the 2 more "favored' teams to take 2nd in their group, then pull another "upset" in the quarterfinals to reach the semis. From there they will either take bronze, 4th, or sneak into the final where they will lose. They usually exceed pre-event predictions. They dont have the star players, or as many of them, as Canada, Czechs, Russia, Sweden, but they play as a team extremely well, and they always seem very well prepared. Sweden always ends up losing to Finland and will again if they play in Turin I predict.

Exactly...there is depth in net where there has never been depth before. There are quite a few quality goalies who can play for the team


Kiprusoff: goes without saying, the #1 job is his to lose
Lethonen: with all groin problems he has had, is a question mark, depends if he is even playing in the NHL
Toskala: some here think he could probably start for some NHL teams
Markkanen: has been alright, a bit inconsistent at times
Niittymaki: has been about as good as Markkanen but has little international experience, could benefit by being on a successful team. Could be the Flyers starter by the time the Olympics roll around.

I think they will go with Kiprusoff, Lethonen, and Toskala, in that order. If Lehtonen is not healthy by the Olympics they will replace him with Nittymaki. Markkanen looks to even be losing his #1 job in Edmonton, which has a dearth of goaltenders at the moment.

I think they will go with Kiprusoff, Lethonen, and Toskala, in that order. If Lehtonen is not healthy by the Olympics they will replace him with Nittymaki. Markkanen looks to even be losing his #1 job in Edmonton, which has a dearth of goaltenders at the moment.

IMO Finland´s goalies should be Kipper, Toivonen and Lehtonen. If Lehtonen can´t play he should be replaced by Niittymäki.

IMO Finland´s goalies should be Kipper, Toivonen and Lehtonen. If Lehtonen can´t play he should be replaced by Niittymäki.


The Olympics are in February, it's almost Christmas now.. Kari has to get games under the belt and more than a dozen or so to be seriously considered, otherwise he'd be best as the "3rd choice" for experience.. which would be a pity as he should be past that stage by now. But it would be unfair to the other guys to have him as a #2 if he's only played some 10 games..

now I'd see it as: Kipper, Niittymäki, Toivonen / Lehtonen. With Hannu taking his spot more and more and Lehtonen starting to have a time problem..

Noronen, Markkanen, Toskala etc don't really look likely to be the #2 imho, and Kipper's #1 spot isn't under threat now. So one of them could go only if they decide to be safe instead of taking a young future starter along..

What makes Finland as good as it is in best-on-best is the chemistry. There's hardly anyone who says no to play with the lions if they don't have a very good reason, which gives Finland a very good opportunity to try to find combos in the world champs, that will come over and over again when they work.

Other teams, like sweden and russia always have a number of players who have either tiny injuries to pinkies, or just don't feel motivated. Finnish players are always motivated to play and thus come to the World Champs and get to play together and build chemistry.

That being said... I am happy if I see Finland in a semi-final. And even happier if there's a medal in it... But I don't have too high hopes.

If the team plays well though, I am sure Erkka will mess it up. He should not be a coach at this level.

Finland always seems to play better than would be expected from a team with their talent level. They are always hanging with the big dogs, ddefying logic.

If Ruutu is healthy I think Finland has a good chance of winning a medal...that guy is a monster.

You're looking it from the wrong POV.

We're not young, you're old ;)

In elementary school 8 years ago would make the current age, what 19, 20 tops?

Yeah, anyone over 20 is an old coger. Lemme just grab my walker, put on my shawl and shuffle out the door wearing my grandma slippers. :D

I would like to see three equal pairings on D ^^ getting aprox. the same ice time.

Timonen - Numminen - The best pairing in the world cup, should get another shot...
Pitkänen - Lydman - With the icetime Lydman has been logging... This should be pretty nice to watch...
Väänänen - Salo - The PK pairing. Salo has seen most icetime of all vancouver d-men iirc...

In elementary school 8 years ago would make the current age, what 19, 20 tops?

Yeah, anyone over 20 is an old coger. Lemme just grab my walker, put on my shawl and shuffle out the door wearing my grandma slippers. :D


Damn its my 21st b-day in months I should start enjoying my youth while it lasts and stop reading these boards all day long. :p: I was in sixth grade.

Personnally, based on hockey (and not some rosters and depth discussions), Finland is just as good as Sweden.

finnland got the better goaltending but sweden is way better on the offense

I would have to rank Finland below Sweden but rank them just ahead of the US.

I think they will go with Kiprusoff, Lethonen, and Toskala, in that order. If Lehtonen is not healthy by the Olympics they will replace him with Nittymaki. Markkanen looks to even be losing his #1 job in Edmonton, which has a dearth of goaltenders at the moment.


In recent weeks, probably.


Also, I would have to believe that Finland consituants saw Niittymaki beat Kiprusoff in the 1-0 SO win.


If I were Finland I would go like this: Kiprusoff - Niittymaki - Lehtonen/Toskala (depending on Kari's health)

I like the Finns chances with their goaltending and grit. If Selanne can continue to play well and Pitkanen is healthy, I like them along with Sweden and the Czechs to compete for 2nd behind Canada.

I think the players are good, but the coaching seems a bit shaky. Westerlund has almost always said he was happy after a piss poor game, which does not sound very good to me.

I think the players are good, but the coaching seems a bit shaky. Westerlund has almost always said he was happy after a piss poor game, which does not sound very good to me.

Westerlund knows his tactics and his hockey knowledge, so on paper there's nothign wrong with him. What people do doubt is his ability to push and prod players to get the best performance out of them, thats because in the previous Westerlund-Summanen duo Summanen had that job.

If the players can push and prod themselves enough by the effect that captain Koivu has on them, then we should be fine. But the coaching duo of Westerlund-Virta doesn't have that ability imho.

But roster, we should be good enough to compete for gold, tactics wise we should be smart enough for gold.

But who'se the guy saying to your ear, you can do better, you're better than him,

I think the players are good, but the coaching seems a bit shaky. Westerlund has almost always said he was happy after a piss poor game, which does not sound very good to me.

Agreed. I simply do not trust in him. I'm sure he's gonna choose guys like Nummelin, Hentunen and Peltonen to the team. :help:

Agreed. I simply do not trust in him. I'm sure he's gonna choose guys like Nummelin, Hentunen and Peltonen to the team. :help:

I would not argue much if he chose Peltonen. Peltonen is the go to guy when the going gets tough. It seems he is ALWAYS either scoring that game winning goal. And he was in our best line in the world cup too.

But Nummelin I do not want to see in the team, has no value in defense against big guys.

Can an NHL team "forbid" a player from playing in the Olympics?

I would think that Atlanta would prefer that Lehtonen not play and use that time to rest. The last thing they would want their franchise goalie to do is play "extra" games and risk re-injuring his oft injured groin.

I would not argue much if he chose Peltonen. Peltonen is the go to guy when the going gets tough. It seems he is ALWAYS either scoring that game winning goal. And he was in our best line in the world cup too.

But Nummelin I do not want to see in the team, has no value in defense against big guys.

Well, if I had to choose one of those players I'd take Hentunen. I like his style of playing more than Peltonen's, but Hagman is better than both of them IMO.

Can an NHL team "forbid" a player from playing in the Olympics?

I would think that Atlanta would prefer that Lehtonen not play and use that time to rest. The last thing they would want their franchise goalie to do is play "extra" games and risk re-injuring his oft injured groin.

Then they should ban him from playing in the playoffs while they're at it. :rolleyes:

And there's no way that Toskala is going to be on the team. The 3rd goalie will be from Europe, most likely Fredrik Norrena.

Then they should ban him from playing in the playoffs while they're at it. :rolleyes:


What does one thing have to do with the other? :shakehead

The Olympics (or any other non-NHL tournament) has nothing to do with the Thrashers. Lehtonen is under contract with the Atlanta Thrashers, so playing for them in the playoffs is part of his obligation to the team.

Given that Lehtonen has been out the entire season with a groin injury, as the Thrashers management (or fan for that matter) would you want him to play extra games for another team and risk re-injuring it or would you rather him rest for that period of time?

I'm guessing that you, Jussi, just want him in there to give your nation the best roster possible while not caring about what team Lehtonen is under contract with and their best interests?

Can an NHL team "forbid" a player from playing in the Olympics?

I would think that Atlanta would prefer that Lehtonen not play and use that time to rest. The last thing they would want their franchise goalie to do is play "extra" games and risk re-injuring his oft injured groin.

Because of the injury and the way Niittymäki and Toivonen has been palying, Lehtonen is not going to be on the team.

Damn its my 21st b-day in months I should start enjoying my youth while it lasts and stop reading these boards all day long. :p: I was in sixth grade.

And I had almost finished my studies in Helsinki Polytechnic (although the place had different name that time)... *sigh*

Since the discussion is about goaltenders, I'll tell you that Kipper and Norrena will be there, who is the third goalie that's the question. Toivonen, Markkanen or Niittymäki seems to be the options, I suppose Erkka will take Markkanen, just because he's more experienced than other two. And Norrena? Erkka said that one goalie is coming from Europe (no jetlag) and that has to be Norrena, although Bäckström has played very well too. It's just Norrena's job this time.

And I had almost finished my studies in Helsinki Polytechnic (although the place had different name that time)... *sigh*

Since the discussion is about goaltenders, I'll tell you that Kipper and Norrena will be there, who is the third goalie that's the question. Toivonen, Markkanen or Niittymäki seems to be the options, I suppose Erkka will take Markkanen, just because he's more experienced than other two. And Norrena? Erkka said that one goalie is coming from Europe (no jetlag) and that has to be Norrena, although Bäckström has played very well too. It's just Norrena's job this time.

I would choose Niittymäki as a back up and Norrena would be the 3rd. Markkanen is so god damn inconsistent.

I'm guessing that you, Jussi, just want him in there to give your nation the best roster possible while not caring about what team Lehtonen is under contract with and their best interests?

Why should he care? But I am sure he cares about the future of Lehtonen.

Anyway, Lehtonen will not play even if he is selected. Kiprusoff is our #1 for sure. Unless Lehtonen does something miraculous in the games he has before the olympics. Stop worrying about him...he might not even get selected and even if he is, Kipper is the main man at the moment.

I just dont understand the love for Norrena in this thread. Sure he is great, in europe. We just have lots of good young guys playing in the NHL. I'd rather choose the best possible team.

I just dont understand the love for Norrena in this thread. Sure he is great, in europe. We just have lots of good young guys playing in the NHL. I'd rather choose the best possible team.

Exactly what part of "Erkka said one goalie will be from Europe" you didn't understand? I'll try to explain it ;). Besides Norrena has played very well for National team, he is already in Europe (no jetlag) and is used to IIHF type of equipment (NHL goalies play with smaller equipment). I'm not that sold on the three letters N, H and L alone. For godsake Sulander won us bronze medal in Nagano and he has never played in NHL.

Why should he care? But I am sure he cares about the future of Lehtonen.

Anyway, Lehtonen will not play even if he is selected. Kiprusoff is our #1 for sure. Unless Lehtonen does something miraculous in the games he has before the olympics. Stop worrying about him...he might not even get selected and even if he is, Kipper is the main man at the moment.

I just dont understand the love for Norrena in this thread. Sure he is great, in europe. We just have lots of good young guys playing in the NHL. I'd rather choose the best possible team.

I agree, SEL or Euro-Hockey tour isn't somethign on a CV that should get you an olympic roster spot.
Last year he sucked in the World Championships when the going was tougher.. injury was cited as a reason, but if he was injured why did he join up in the first place? And if it was a result of a puck hitting him badly, then why risk losing one of your goalies during the Olympics when he should be facing even more pucks..

plus he'd surely be intimidated by the names on the backs of his opponents, rather take someone used to them who isn't intimidated by them. Niittymäki for example,..

Norrena won't be an option for us in the long term, he's getting on with it and our young guns are just so damn good. Rather take someone for experience, Lehtonen or Toivonen as there's two future starters/franchise goaltenders there. If the NHL ended with todays standings for the World Championships we'd have Lehtonen, Hurme, Toivonen, Toskala available.. of those I'd take at least 2 without even thinking of European based goalies..

worst case scenario is imho that Erkka takes a Aravirta approach and takes his favourites like Norrena, Peltonen, Nummelin etc .. Yes it is on the big ice but.. There's Kipper, there's #2 for injury and with current play that has to be Niittymäki.
Then there's #3, so he might as well be a talented youngster who needs to be brought into the fold, namely Lehtonen or Toivonen who've only basically played in the juniors for the national team. (Kari has been the #3 twice though, World Cup and one World Championships) Get them in the mix and get them to know their teammates, as they'll play a huge role for us in the near future..

I just dont understand the love for Norrena in this thread. Sure he is great, in europe. We just have lots of good young guys playing in the NHL. I'd rather choose the best possible team.

Agree 100%. But actually it doesn't matter cause he will be the 3rd goalie and is not going to play in the tournament.

I'm counting on Finland to win some against the "bigger" teams. I've always loved their tenacious style.
And they've actually got an NHL-caliber goalie now. :amazed:

Norrena won't be an option for us in the long term, he's getting on with it and our young guns are just so damn good. Rather take someone for experience, Lehtonen or Toivonen as there's two future starters/franchise goaltenders there.

And exactly WHY, we should take youngsters to learn the game in OLYMPICS? Let them play and learn in NHL first and bring them in for short tournaments when they are ready. And yes, if Lehtonen would be healthy, I'd take him no questions asked.

I think Lehtonen will be in the team. Westerlund said in a local newspaper that he selected 4 "healing" players and that would suggest S.Koivu, Lehtinen, Ruutu, Pitkänen.

I think Lehtonen will be in the team. Westerlund said in a local newspaper that he selected 4 "healing" players and that would suggest S.Koivu, Lehtinen, Ruutu, Pitkänen.

You mean Lehtonen? ;)

I don't want Lehtonen. He has only 1 period under his belt this season and has just recovered from a serious injury. I can't understand why Westerlund won't go with Niittymäki. He has been healthy all year and has a very good season so far.

And exactly WHY, we should take youngsters to learn the game in OLYMPICS? Let them play and learn in NHL first and bring them in for short tournaments when they are ready. And yes, if Lehtonen would be healthy, I'd take him no questions asked.

3rd goalie isn't playing time learning.
It's learning to know your future teammates. Toivonen for example, already has this NHL experience, somehting Norrena doesn't have and will probably never get.

You mean Lehtonen? ;)

I don't want Lehtonen. He has only 1 period under his belt this season and has just recovered from a serious injury. I can't understand why Westerlund won't go with Niittymäki. He has been healthy all year and has a very good season so far.

Wow..yes I mean Lehtonen, I guess HFboards is finally starting to affect my typing! Westerlund might go with Nitty and Lehtonen, you never know. I know he said one goalie will be from europe but maybe that was a brainfart.

Toivonen for example, already has this NHL experience, somehting Norrena doesn't have and will probably never get.

So? How many games of NHL experience Ari Sulander has? He stopped Canada in Nagano to ensure our bronze. And exactly how does "NHL experience" help the goalie in Olympic size rink with Olympic (IIHF) size equipment?

I remember that in 1998 your best goalie was a solid NHL backup. Now, Finland seems to be the best country at producing goalies. You have come a long way.

With this weakened Russia team, I may end up cheering for Finalnd even more than I usually do (you are my #2 team in internation competition). Good luck!!

Wow..yes I mean Lehtonen, I guess HFboards is finally starting to affect my typing!

You might say you got a bad case of LeafLanderitis.

Finland always seems to play better than would be expected from a team with their talent level. They are always hanging with the big dogs, ddefying logic.


Because their goaltending is medal-worthy, and they play well as a team. I love the way Finland plays.

So? How many games of NHL experience Ari Sulander has? He stopped Canada in Nagano to ensure our bronze. And exactly how does "NHL experience" help the goalie in Olympic size rink with Olympic (IIHF) size equipment?

Sulander had a few good games, but that was just 1 game.

I could be wrong, but I was under the impression that new nhl equipment is smaller than Olympic?
Besides, Kipper's #1 and unless he has a brainfart, he's in every game.

Soo.. why not work for the future at the same time? We should have a World Cup in 2008 for which Norrena won't even be considered..

I really like the potential of this Finland team and I think they have a very strong chance to come away with at least a 4th place showing.

As mentioned, they have one of the very best goalies in the world and they have depth at the postion. As well they have a very solid well-rounded defense.

Off the top of my head:

Lehtinen - Koivu - Selanee
Peltonen - Jokinen - Ruutu
Laaksonen - Kapanen - Kapanen
Niemenen - Koivu - ??? (not real important spot anyway)

Timonen - Vaananen
Pitkanen - Salo
Lydman - Numminen

Kiprusoff
Lehtonen


I think Peltonen will be there as he fits that 2nd line role nicely as a play maker on that line and has been prety good for Finland in the past. The first line is really solid and Selannee is playing like a superstar again. Lehtinen is only 5 goals behind the NHL leader in goals. Koivu is the heart and soul up front while Jokinen and Ruutu are game breakers that they need big tournaments out of.

The third line seems solid but maybe have Niemenen or someone else in that 3rd line spot makes more sense ???

I really like the defense and the 2 way ability that they all provide with the exception of Vaananen who is mostly just a stay at home. They arent very physical as a unit though and thats why I think that Vaananen should be paired with their #1 Timmonen on their first unit.

This team could make it all the way to the final if they get the right match-ups.

In the medal round I cant see them beating Canada or the Czechs but would put money on them beating anyone else.

They are the team I want to win most after Canada and it would make me very happy to see them win a medal.

Sulander had a few good games, but that was just 1 game.

I could be wrong, but I was under the impression that new nhl equipment is smaller than Olympic?
Besides, Kipper's #1 and unless he has a brainfart, he's in every game.

Soo.. why not work for the future at the same time? We should have a World Cup in 2008 for which Norrena won't even be considered..

Sulander was playing in Europe, that's my point.

And yes NHL equipment is smaller, that's why goalies coming from there needs to adjust for bigger equipment, ask Passmore if that's easy. And of course Kipper is number one, but he has failed in National team too...

This the best of the best tournament, not a training session. Best players should play, those youngsters will have their chances later (ie. 2008 and 2010).