Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
NHL World Cup Of Hockey: Finland
Finland, thanks to the retirement of several of their NHL stars, won’t be quite the powerhouse at the 2016 World Cup as we know them to be. However, they’ll still be a very tough team to play.
FORWARDS: Valtteri Filppula, Jori Lehtera, Mikko Koivu, Jussi Jokinen, Aleksander Barkov, Leo Komarov, Sean Bergenheim, Mikael Granlund, Markus Granlund, Lauri Korpikoski, Kasperi Kapanen, Teuvo Teravainen, Teemu Pulkkinen, Tuomo Ruutu
The Finland forward group has two primary strengths. First, an incredible depth at center. No fewer than eight of these guys could play center. That’s insane. Secondly, they’d have youth and speed. The primary weakness of this team would clearly be inexperience. Filppula, Lehtera, Koivu, Jokinen, Korpikowski, Ruutu and Komarov would be their only experienced guys. However, this forward group should at worst still be a ton of fun to watch.
DEFENSEMEN: Sami Vatanen, Olli Maatta, Rasmus Ristolainen, Sami Lepisto, Ossi Vaananen, Petteri Lindbohm, Jyrki Jokipakka, Julius Honka
Another inexperienced group, but one that should not be overlooked. Vaananen and Lepisto all have NHL experience, so they should help to make up for that lack of experience. Ristolainen is HUGE. Vatanen is going to work magic on the power play.
GOALIES: Pekka Rinne, Tuukka Rask, Antti Niemi
Next: Czech Republic