No Kipper, No Problem....

At least so far.....2 games and 2 shutouts....mind you they were against weaker teams, however those teams did score against other top teams.

Is this the Finnish system...the Finnish d-men, or the Finnish goalies?

At least so far.....2 games and 2 shutouts....mind you they were against weaker teams, however those teams did score against other top teams.

Is this the Finnish system...the Finnish d-men, or the Finnish goalies?

d) Finnish forwards.

Neither Switzerland nor Italy ever really had an attack. It was akin to watching women's hockey, in that our boys skated faster, applied the pressure and kept the opposition out of the game frm the get-go.

Goalie depth isn't that good for us, yet. Losing Nurminen, then Kipper/Lehtonen/Toivonen out.. There's depth in numbers, Toskala, Markkanen, Noronen etc out there.
But the real depth is a few seasons away. Rinne, Rämö, Rask, once they come. Nobody will care who Kipper is.

At least so far.....2 games and 2 shutouts....mind you they were against weaker teams, however those teams did score against other top teams.

Is this the Finnish system...the Finnish d-men, or the Finnish goalies?

It's mainly the team defense, but both Niittymäki and Norrena had to make a few good saves in those games. Neither have been really tested though, and are the possible achilles heel still. And nummelin/ aj niemi on defense is our second achilles heel. Damn you Pitkänen!

d) Finnish forwards.

Neither Switzerland nor Italy ever really had an attack.


I disagree... Both Italy and Switzerland had a few good scoring chanches

It's mainly the team defense, but both Niittymäki and Norrena had to make a few good saves in those games. Neither have been really tested though, and are the possible achilles heel still. And nummelin/ aj niemi on defense is our second achilles heel. Damn you Pitkänen!

Niemi should just be 7th d-man without any ice time. Yesterday he got his first shift and took right away a penalty. Numminen hasn't been that bad and performed well offensively imo. But let's see how he performs when they play against Czech and Canada

Niemi should just be 7th d-man without any ice time. Yesterday he got his first shift and took right away a penalty. Numminen hasn't been that bad and performed well offensively imo. But let's see how he performs when they play against Czech and Canada

I'm not worried about Nummelin's offensive play...I know that is good. But his defensive play against bigger opponents is just horrible.

I disagree... Both Italy and Switzerland had a few good scoring chanches

Chances schmances.. count the number of *real* attacks. You know, 5 on 5, bring the puck to the offensive zone and hold it there and create danger.

You could have Team Canada play Uzbekistan and Uzbekistan could get a few breakaway scoring chances or hit the post on a 5 on 3.

I'm not worried about Nummelin's offensive play...I know that is good. But his defensive play against bigger opponents is just horrible.We will see, if you are right. But i disagree, i think he is also against the top 6 teams really strong in the defense.

Damn, I wish we had Pitkänen, Väänänen and Karalahti on D. Right now I'm really worried about how Nummelin and Niemi in the tough games..

I'm not worried about Nummelin's offensive play...I know that is good. But his defensive play against bigger opponents is just horrible.

The funny thing is, one of you is talking about Nummelin and the other about Numminen...

Who needs Kipper when you have a stud like Berg on defense? :handclap:

Who has looked good and solid on defence so far for Finland?
Who is the best D pairing?

Who has looked good and solid on defence so far for Finland?
Who is the best D pairing?

I'd say Timonen and Salo, also Nummelin has been good against these easier opponents.

Also Berg and Numminen are playing good.