Who Makes Finland's 2022 Men's Olympic Hockey Team?

They are always underdogs and can score the odd upset in a tournament like this. Never underestimate Finland.
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[@Bobcat205]

“I wanna talk about Finland.” You have my full, uninterrupted attention.

[@Zenkka]

In Finland we have this thing called tori

[@pale_saint]

@@Zenkka in Finland we have this thing called ”Suomi mainittu”

[@LohiHarHar]

@@Zenkka Never heard

[@dealy9268]

Aho and Teravainen should be kept together. They share the same brain. The passing between these two is unmatched. The most underrated pair in the NHL!!!!

[@Repereiman]

¨Because they wanna beat Sweden, isnt that the whole point?¨ as a finn i can confirm this is true.

[@Alexandros.Mograine]

He has discovered our secret.

[@stefanconradsson]

Swede here, yes this is true. Cheers 🍺

[@Valakian3590]

@@stefanconradsson As a finn, I love games against sweden. You guys are our much beloved frenemies. btw. Imagine if we put together joint-team we would freaking rule the hockey world.

[@topiheimola69]

In the gold medal game, preferably. Quarterfinals would be fine as well.

[@Kingggmann]

Oh boy we Finns will dominate this olympics, cannot wait oh boy..

[@MRTZ1897]

You forgot Hakanpää, he's pretty much a safe bet, a shutdown defenceman for the 3rd pairing

[@byst33]

Feels like half of these names are CAR and DAL haha

[@mattrtownsend98512]

@@byst33 Dallas has had the most finnish players play for them since the days of the Minnesota North Stars

[@beardupbeerdown7355]

@@mattrtownsend98512 interesting

[@jonnah.]

Yes, he is Jalonen's favorite player. I think it is almost sure he is in, if he stay healthy.

[@benjismith2549]

I’m Carolina we always say more Finns more wins

[@hhazze]

Sometimes it feels like Finland's lack of depth in top end talent has been rather a blessing. Because you need those grinders and hard working 4th liners as well for the team to really work. Finland has always been able to put out a balanced team with great work ethic and upside potential.

[@WhatNowMaxTVchannel]

putting players from the same nhl team on the same line is such a big brain play. Zero training/prep required for those guys to get systems going in the short time they have to practice. Also can we just point out how crazy it is that a country with 5.5 million people has this much depth? It would be like making an olympic team out of only people from Minnesota (5.6m population). (now there's a video idea for you shannon LOL).

[@beardupbeerdown7355]

District 5, look alive!

[@IHateMyAccountName]

They punch above their weight in motorsports too.

[@Garbox80]

Finland has the luxury that quite many of these guys have been playing at least similar system as Tram Finland does. The same system is used with little variations basically in all Liiga teams and I'd guess U20 junior teams too. But, Jalonen does give weight for thpse players who get to attend the practice tournaments and camps throughout the year, so there'll be some players from European leagues in the team. We can also expect to see quite a few centers and some of them playing the wing. That's also been Jukka's kind of a backup in case of injuries or less than ideal performance of a center.

[@PSJukkis]

We Finnish people love hockey and our teams put good money into junior development.

[@HandsomeDanVacationRentals]

Minnesooootah?

[@boomshocks]

I don't know how likely it is. But I'd love to see Laine-Aho-Puljujarvi again. They were possibly the most dominant Finnish line internationally. At least give them a chance to see if the spark is still there.

[@TheBoyer19]

I watch there highlights from that world Juniors religiously

[@foleymaj]

It was awesome then but would rather keep Aho and Teräväinen together. And Laine could probably be good in a line with Barkov and Rantanen. Those dudes can carry him.

[@chardonnay5767]

JP has always played well when he's on ice with Aho. So TT-Aho-JP maybe?

[@foleymaj]

@@chardonnay5767 Maybe. I want to see how the season starts for Kakko and Puljujärvi. Because if Kakko finally starts producing, he's on that team and in the top-6 by my guess.

[@suomisportyt4202]

There are two chances: 1. Teräväinen-Barkov-Rantanen 2. Laine-Aho-Puljujärvi Or 1. Laine-Barkov-Rantanen 2. Teräväinen-Aho-Puljujärvi

[@VompoVompatti]

Hakanpää (or Haakenpaa like he seems to be known in North America) and Mikko Lehtonen might be in the squad.

[@DrTruckster]

Very likely. Surprised that Shannon didn't include neither of them

[@rushilb6]

as a dallas fan I'm rooting for Finland cuz we're the North American version of the Finnish Liiga 😂

[@ItsJared___]

As a hurricanes fan, I feel you there

[@napalmjayhee]

I wouldnt be surprised Jalonen was to fit in Hartikainen Manninen Granlund and some of those top KHL guys.

[@RPNocando]

And at least one defenceman outside of NHL, like Hietanen who was in the 2014 Olympic team.

[@Syketherapper]

Even though they have great chemistry and are very good in the khl I think only Härski has the chance with the team.

[@smildob2776]

Why would they take guys like granlund when he couldnt stick in the nhl instead of guys who actually are decent nhlers?

[@MrKarnefalos]

@@smildob2776 Big ice and they play on the same line in the khl and are very productive there. But im willing to bet Jalonen picks a "weird" team as he tends to really focus on building a team rather than just picking best players

[@Xolder11111]

@@MrKarnefalos The olympics will be played in NHL sized rinks.

[@SargeF]

I’m honestly impressed how well the Finnish names were pronounced in this video.

[@midimusicforever]

Even if Rask wants to play in the olympics, he will be coming back from surgery, not having played many games. If Saros plays like last season, he's the starter.

[@csanadhorvath]

yeah, I doubt they take Rask

[@midimusicforever]

@@csanadhorvath I think he is a guy for the roster, but not as a starter.

[@stardustie]

Imo Lankinen+Saros/Rask/Kähkönen

[@gocanuckurself1]

Finland has become a force in the last few WJC tournaments. I like what the Finns are doing over there.

[@NasonJPR]

Who are these people who underestimate Sweden and Finland? Have they not been consistently good for decades now? They could both announce teams made up of plumbers and welders and I would still be confident saying one would medal and the other upset either Canada, the US or Russia.

[@beardupbeerdown7355]

Canada US Sweden Russia/Finland

[@iliaponomarev1624]

Well, to be fair, Sweden isn't very consistent. And they have a funny tendency to either screw up with tier-2 opponents in 1/4 or go to the Finals. 1998: 1/4 exit (a little bit outside the trend, vs. Finland) 2002: 1/4 exit (vs. Belarus) 2006: Gold 2010: 1/4 exit (vs. Slovakia) 2014: Silver Finns are a sure bet for Bronze, that's their average. One 1/4 exit and one Silver make 2 Bronzes, right? :) 1998: Bronze 2002: 1/4 exit (vs. Canada) 2006: Silver 2010: Bronze 2014: Bronze

[@WristFreeze97]

@@beardupbeerdown7355 Finland, Sweden, Russia>US

[@danielveselic8677]

@@iliaponomarev1624 1996 is gold medal for sweden

[@iliaponomarev1624]

@@danielveselic8677 I mean real Olympics with NHL participation.

[@FinnishBigBoy]

I can't help but amaze the fact that there isn't a single typo on that board. Props to you, THG! But realistically I think Finns' best is bronze, even with that lineup. Landing anywhere else than top 4 is a disaster. But then It's USA, Canada, Sweden or Russia against The Lions in top 4, that's a big step to take. Great video though, loved the perspective and the fact that you didn't close KHL/European series away.

[@roina771]

Tbh I'd say that this team is the best chance we've had for gold. The thing finnish rosters have always lacked is the scoring touch and young trully elite level players. For the first time we can put up two NHL level 1st lines in the top 6 that shouldn't have problems in scoring and driving the play with Barkov, Aho, Rantanen, Hintz, Laine and Teräväinen. The issue has never been hanging in there defensively against the top teams but to score consistently and to not spend the majority of time in our own end.

[@FinnishBigBoy]

@@roina771 yeah I agree that there's a lot of top scorers now, but I still think 2006 Olympic team was the Best chance.

[@shaman2384]

Smart move doing the Finland team video. Every Finnish person's favorite past time is watching videos that talk about Finland. And those Finnish who deny it, do it just because it's another possibility to argue about Finland :D

[@frankhaula]

This is what I'm hoping our lineup will look like come February. Tuukka Rask Juuse Saros (Kevin Lankinen) Kasperi Kapanen - Aleksander Barkov - Mikko Rantanen Roope Hintz - Sebastian Aho - Teuvo Teräväinen Patrik Laine - Mikael Granlund - Joonas Donskoi Leo Komarov - Erik Haula - Joel Armia (Artturi Lehkonen) Esa Lindell - Rasmus Ristolainen Miro Heiskanen - Jani Hakanpää Olli Määttä - Sami Vatanen (Juuso Välimäki) PP1 Mikael Granlund - Aleksander Barkov - Mikko Rantanen Patrik Laine - Miro Heiskanen PP2 Roope Hintz - Sebastian Aho - Joonas Donskoi Teuvo Teräväinen - Sami Vatanen

[@Irevoltnow]

You hit the nail in the head. Winning against the swedes is the most important thing!

[@snowfloofcathug]

Don't want a repeat of 03? ;)

[@shamalzephyr420]

Very excited to see this new generation finally play in the olympics. This time we won't have to rely solely on Rask's heroics.

[@viccelindahl3690]

Komarov has told Finnish media that he won't play for the national team anymore. He prefers to promote the young talent instead

[@asada135]

I remember his reason for not playing in national team was his promoting contract with gambling company. Last year he said he might play for national team again.Another thing is that does finnish team need him.

[@elwizschold]

A top 6 something like: Teräväinen - Aho - Laine Rantanen - Barkov - Hintz Is something to look out for. Also, as a Swede, I'm always worried about games against the Fins... they almost always manage to play as a great team

[@asdfa6891]

Most likely: Rantanen - Barkov - Laine Teräväinen - Aho - Hartikainen Puljujärvi - Hintz - Kapanen Tolvanen - Granlund - Kakko KK and Donskoi as extra forwards.

[@Nerdamania]

@@asdfa6891 Putting Tolvanen and Kakko in the 4th would be as insanity. 4th line is all about physical abilities, strong defensive play and cleverness. a 4th line plays when you want to disrupt the play of a opposition top line. Putting Tolvanen and Kakko against McDavid, Crosby and so on would be insanity. Armia and Donskoi, Ruotsalainen, Komarov are much more likely for 3rd and 4th line positions

[@karltanner3953]

@@Nerdamania I agree. Armia and Lehkonen are great on PK too. Haula is also a great bottom 6 guy, to add onto your list.

[@asdfa6891]

@@Nerdamania Insanity? Not really, eh? You already have a fantastic shutdown line as 3rd, especially if you replace Kappy with Kakko, which I wouldn’t do as Hintz, Pulju and Kapanen would fly past opponets. It would be insane not to utilize players Like Tolvanen just to have a ”physical” 4th line.

[@asdfa6891]

@@Nerdamania And also, Kakko is one of the best defensive forwards in the league.

[@NESRetku]

Gorgeous jersey!

[@midimusicforever]

If Tolvanen continues on the same trajectory as he was on last season, he could be a top 6 player on this team.

[@brian6470]

Really, could he be a top 6 player? I think he won't even make it to the entire roster. Laine Barkov Rantanen Teräväinen Aho Puljujärvi Granlund Hintz Kapanen Lehkonen Lundell Armia

[@batchnumber77]

Maybe consider Lehtonen, Hakanpää in defence, and Kähkönen to mix the goalie pool even further.

[@FinnTheCanadian]

Really good series interested to see all the projected rosters

[@sourface5820]

Let's talk about Finland, the gold medal winners with a little different team!

[@alexskog2524]

Komarov is not going to Olympics. He has officially retired from Finnish National Team a few years ago.

[@jukkaahola426]

Well how did it turn out eventually... 🥇🏆

[@Mentalityshifters]

Damn... sneaky good team... it’s going to be an amazing tourny

[@midimusicforever]

Nothing sneaky about it. It's a good team, period.

[@perttusaarela4893]

Nail on the head brother about FIN and SWE. All else very accurate analysis too. Much appreciated.

[@ristomattikovanen2435]

Kaapo Kähkönen over Mikko Koskinen

[@siralexis6590]

And raanta over those 2

[@superdaveozbourne7993]

5-6 teams will be unreal. So pumped

[@miikkakivekas6376]

Thanks for a great video. Nice to see you in a "Leijonat" jersey. You really know lot about finns. But you forget Jani Hakanpää I think hes gonna make it in the D.

[@chasewighton4064]

Never count out the Finns, the perennial underdog of the hockey powerhouse nations. If Canada isn’t able to win the gold medal, I’d love to see the Finns win it (though the American team is going to be completely stacked, it’s gonna be majorly tough to get past them, imo).

[@akitahvanainen]

I mean for me it's funny that ppl call Finns underdogs. How long are we going to get top4's and still being called underdogs?

[@dukestorm8813]

Thank you, I was just thinking about this the other day

[@mattrtownsend98512]

Dallas Stars are a on this list heavy prescence aka Helsinki South

[@Hamppuapina]

I'm so happy for Komarov, Filppula and Vatanen.

[@MRTZ1897]

Could look something like this idk Granlund - Barkov - Rantanen Laine - Aho - Teräväinen Donskoi - Hintz - Kapanen Komarov - Haula - Armia Heiskanen - Ristolainen Lindell - Jokiharju Nutivaara - Hakanpää Saros/Lankinen/Korpisalo (probably Raanta, if he's healthy) Wouldn't be surprised if Risto doesn't make it. They didn't even invite him to the Olympic camp, where all of the Finnish NHL players met this summer. Reason was that he hasn't really shown interest in playing for Finland, even he hasn't been in the playoffs and could've played for them if he wanted to. Goalies HEAVILY depend on form and injury/health status at that time.

[@mikkot87]

Laine will play with Barkov 100%. Barkov can back up Laines bad defencive skill and they have chemistry together.

[@MRTZ1897]

​@@greenpandas3446 There's is literally a zero % chance he doesn't play in the top six, if you know anything about the Finnish national team. Unless he's dies before the Olympics or something, which you know, could change things.

[@konkari1233]

Anttila unohtu....

[@Accountti]

Järkevin joukkue, minkä oon nähnyt. Ainoastaan Leksan tilalla näkisin Lehkosen ja Nutivaaran tilalla Välimäen.

[@nAricxd]

Jani Hakanpää has been good in Dallas I think and he was in the team Finland in 2019 when finns surprised in the world championship tournament.

[@jasonpaul4308]

ohhh I love the idea of a Kotkaniemi, Kuokkanen, Kakko line....the K line....yep. that would be the name. Nothing else lol And you gotta tell me it's gonna be SO MUCH fun to be the announcer when this line is on the ice!

[@scottiepaterson192]

aho, puljujarvi, and laine played well together during juniors, wouldnt be surprised to see that line back together

[@karltanner3953]

Maybe, if Laine gets his game together again. I however expect Aho to play with Teräväinen. They have insane chemistry in Carolina.

[@zigfield723]

Ya Puljujarvi will be top 6, very easy to predict he has a huge breakout year. Shannon doesn't make predictions tho. Or maybe he's just no good at it

[@gamergod3378]

Im finnish and i loved that line back in 2016 but i cant see them playing together again. Aho plays with teräväinen, laine plays with barkov and pulju plays with whoever. Living in the past is usually a bad thing.

[@nicb1359]

@@zigfield723 worst I have ever heard. He will be lucky if he is on the team. Rantanen,Barkov, Aho,Hintz,Laine and Teravainen is fin top 6 then Fin will fill the bottom 6 with two way players like donskoi,Kapanen and so on..

[@scottiepaterson192]

Puljujarvi does good internationally though, and as Shannon said Finland is a team that likes to stick with players that are familiar with their national program. As well Puljujarvi was a great liiga player, so if this is European sized ice (should have looked into it before dropping this comment probably) he could be a more useful piece than he has been in the NHL last couple years I'm just saying it wouldn't surprise me to see Finland put Aho with Laine and Puljujarvi *because* they are both struggling, and if he can elevate both their games to their potential than it might be worth splitting him and Teravainen (who would likely find success on another line anyways)

[@teemuh3724]

Great video!

[@SOLIDERjee]

its joke in Finland, "it does not matter if we win or not, but sweden has to lose"

[@larsandersson5974]

Strange, I'm always happy when finland does well. Coming from a swede :-)

[@tespiii]

More like "it's already a win if we do better than Sweden."

[@Losrandir]

Let's say the final game is Sweden-Russia, Sweden-Canada, Sweden-USA etc... I root for Sweden. -Finn

[@gamergod3378]

@@Losrandir thats only because you (and i) hate canada, russia and america more than sweden.

[@leo.soininen]

@@Losrandir I dont root for Sweden but lets just say that I am happy if USA, Canada or Russia lose

[@bladiseitan]

As a Finn, it seems strange that we have a lot of big bodies. The previous generation was like Saku Koivu, Ville Peltonen, Teemu Selänne, Sami Kapanen, Jere Lehtinen - players where max 6'0"/180lbs. Nowadays we have plenty of meat at the frontlines Barkov, Rantanen, Laine, Hintz, Armia, Puljujärvi (all 6'3"+ / 200lb+) dudes.

[@veepro8604]

You monster. How many videos are you going to force me to watch today!?

[@darkazon5343]

Potential players from the KHL would probably be Teemu Hartikainen, Oliwer Kaski, Ville Pokka and Markus Granlund

[@konkari1233]

And Anttila

[@TripleAlfafa]

Don't forget Olkinuora.

[@ScothMcBeast]

Thanks for this :)

[@christhornycroft3686]

I hope things work out for Juolevi. As a defensive defenseman he’s awesome and still not old. He’s just had injury problems. If he makes the Canucks as a bottom pairing guy, he could be an absolute steal if he plays with a more offensive minded guy. But on the Canucks, I’d rather see him as the #6 than a risk taker. Someone has to help out Demko. We can’t be the 80s Oilers.

[@repe0]

I wouldn’t hold my breath for ristolainen. He hasn’t shown much interest playing for Finland.

[@karltanner3953]

I expect Hakanpää to make the team ahead of him.

[@are3287]

The whole culture of losing from Buffalo might catch on

[@IHateMyAccountName]

@@are3287 tell that to O'Reilly and Lehner who turned around their careers after leaving.

[@electricboogaloo5645]

RR hasn't shown interest playing for Finland in world championships. Because of that, he's a huge question mark at the moment (Finland's head coach Jukka Jalonen does not look kindly on RR declining invitations in the past) . But I seriously doubt there's a single Finnish player, who wouldn't want to play in the olympics where all the best players in the world are participating.

[@Hamppuapina]

Also he was not invited to the national team's kick off event in August. He was pretty much the only notable NHL player not to receive an invitation.

[@LiamHolland-lx1dv]

I can see Finland having a 4th line of Komarov, Lehkonen and Armia guys that use minutes simply checking the other team really hard for 30-40 seconds hard but mainly being on the PK unit

[@762rk95tp]

Leo Komarov is a leader on bench and in dressing room. That is why Lamoriello bought him from Toronto to Islanders. To keep kids in the line and maybe teach 'em something about work ethics by example.

[@milktrain5567]

Armia is an automatic pick. Too good, versatile and can play the D-game. Most likely Donskoi also, mostly the same reasons.

[@stefanconradsson]

Swede here: this is going to be a very very good team. Will probably win the group. Cheers 🍺

[@grantkline434]

Love these, you’ll have to do one for China

[@tommacintyre8489]

I can see Teravainen Aho and Rantanen on the top line

[@pennyroyal3813]

Shannon moves fluidly between Swedish and Finnish names.

[@teroarpiainen5140]

I'm from Finland and I can tell couple of things about our national team. First thing is we want all players to be in good shape and we don't want to see lacking of energy in ice. In the past usually something 30% of players have dealt injury issues or other problems and we prefer let players deal with those and choose other players for tournament. Second thing is line mates who are already familiar with each other usually gets first chance example Teräväinen and Aho will play together with good chance and Laine, Barkov and Rantanen. As a third thing coaching team usually wants good penalty killing line where Haula and Komarov has better chance for the team and it doesnt matter if they dont score. Also we see having Jukka Jalonen our national hero as our head coach will increase our chances for victory greatly.

[@redwing3150]

That would be a really fun team to watch.

[@js7443]

So much offensive talent this era,will be intresting

[@gamergod3378]

I just want to say that finland can beat anyone. Yeah, canada might have an insane team but dont be surprised if we beat you 3-2 on the overtime. Finland is the ultimate underdog and our coach is arguably the best in the world. I am not joking when i say that. Just because he isnt part of the nhl inner circle doesnt mean hes not great.

[@LohiHarHar]

And he knows how to get 100% out of Laine. I think our powerplay will be the decisive key to gold.

[@vigilantgopher9563]

I do think Finland can beat anyone. I see them making it to the Gold medal against Canada and many great upsets along the way. But then Canada wins Gold 3-2 in overtime let's be honest. Shoot, maybe even 3-0

[@fatidicusaeternus6498]

Mikko Lehtonen is also quite likely to make the team due to recent big roles on the national team

[@Spruce-Moose]

I'm thinking Laine - Barkov - Rantanen Granlund - Aho - Teräväinen Kapanen - Hintz - Puljujärvi Donskoi - Haula - Armia Kakko Lindell - Heiskanen Nutivaara - Ristolainen Jokiharju - Hakanpää Määttä Rask Saros Lankinen

[@juuhan4892]

I would change Tolvanen or Kakko to Granlund because we need more offense to that line. I would also maybe take Kotkanniemi before Armia depending if he can produce in Carolina.

[@Spruce-Moose]

This is pretty much the roster I would like if the tournament started tomorrow. But I can definitely see some of the young guns, like Tolvanen, Kakko, Lundell, Kotkaniemi or Kuokkanen blowing up next season and stealing roster spots from the veterans!

[@brian6470]

@@juuhan4892 Kommenttisi perusteella joku voisi erehtyä luulemaan, ettet ole koskaan katsonut lajia nimeltä jääkiekko

[@juuhan4892]

@@brian6470 Tämä oli lopputulos päättelyssäsi koska? :D

[@kylekarnes4652]

Huge CBJ fan here, but I'll be stunned if Korpi makes the team. I'd love him to but they're so stacked at goalie, I don't see him getting the nod.

[@elzi2222]

Could you please cover Switzerland? Would be interesting.

[@MaverickWall238]

I think Teravainen definitely gets into the top 6.

[@hhazze]

Love the jersey!

[@Terminatedd]

If Kakko, Kotkaniemi, Puljujärvi, Laine, Lundell and Tolvanen all live up to their draft pedigree this season, that would make it a star-studded offense for team Finland. One would think at least some of those players break out this upcoming season.. right?

[@jordanfraser8201]

Would Rask be fresh or rusty returning from injury? Is his return likely to be January or February?

[@AwesomeZach]

Hintz-Barkov-Rantanen Laine-Aho-Teravainen Donskoi-Granlund-Kapanen Tolvanen-Kotkaniemi-Kakko Heiskanen-Ristolainen Lindell-Vatanen Nutivaara-Maatta Saros Lankinen Korpisalo

[@shaman2384]

Odd takes that should still be made: Haula (actually has the highest faceoff% of finnish players in the last 3 years with 54%+) , Komarov (he is the glue of teams with his positive aura and stories, bit like Bellamare is in his teams).

[@iCoolaxe]

Going to be interesting to see who gets named as Finland's captain.

[@Rikitikisiki]

Yeap, Barkov is easy choice. And correct one.

[@h13nr1]

Sasha

[@konkari1233]

Anttila.

[@tepamonmon9175]

@@jasso7777 I think it will be Grandlund because he has been captain for Finland in past and is one of the favorite players of Jalonen

[@TheGuilty11]

@@konkari1233 If Anttila makes into this team i will not watch any of the games

[@Xerdoz]

PP1: Barkov, Rantanen, Aho, Laine, Heiskanen Plenty of puck control and firepower if Laine gets his game together.

[@michaeloverton5533]

I have my doubts about Rask being able to recover, but for his sake I hope he his recovery doesn't make him walk away if he genuinely wants to play again. That would be an awful way for his career to end. Ending his career with one last magical Olympic run would be a great thing to watch.

[@juholaitakari1305]

Team Finland out of NHL players based on last season points by position, goalies with wins: Granlund-Barkov-Rantanen Kuokkanen-Aho-Donskoi Laine-Hintz-Kapanen Tolvanen-Haula-Puljujärvi +Kotkaniemi Heiskanen-Ristolainen Lindell-Nutivaara Välimäki-Jokiharju +Lehtonen

[@notqut7321]

A lot ofc depends on how the season is going at the time when the team is being formed, but my "way too early" lineup would probably be something along these lines: Granlund (A) - Barkov (C) - Rantanen Laine - Aho - Teräväinen Donskoi - Hintz - Kapanen Lehkonen - Haula - Armia +Kotkaniemi +Tolvanen +Puljujärvi Heiskanen - Hakanpää Lindell - Ristolainen Lehtonen (A) - Välimäki +Jokiharju +Määttä Saros Korpisalo +Lankinen

[@topiheimola69]

Jukka Jalonen is the coach so you never know how far this team could go even against the all-star teams of Canada, USA, Russia and Sweden. Also you can have absolutely no idea what players him and Jere Lehtinen are going to pick until they’ve announced them. I sure wish for a Finland vs Sweden final... and for Finland to win what we should’ve won back in 2006! Fingers crossed 🇫🇮🇫🇮🇫🇮

[@darkazon5343]

Mua jotenkin ihmetyttää, että miksi enää 2020 - luvulla puhutaan, että se olisi yllätys, jos Suomi mitalin voittaa? Eikös me olla voitettu eniten Olympiamitaleja vuodesta 88 lähtien? NHL miesten mukana ollessa ollaan jääty kerran ilman mitalia.

[@topiheimola69]

@@darkazon5343 nojoo pronssi on täysin saavutettavissa. Tuo kulta sitten taas vaikuttaa jotenkin kaukaisemmalta ajatukselta kun kattoo Kanadan ja USAn jengejä, vaikka onhan sinne finaaliin kerran ennenkin vastaavia jengejä vastaan päästy ja kerran pronssipelissä Kanada voitettu. Toivoa sopii. Musta vaan tuntuu että nää Suomen nykyiset huippupelaajat on aivan parhaimmillaan vasta 2026 Olympialaisissa.

[@Nathanielhiggerson66]

The bust line 🤣

[@tespiii]

Ohtamaa will be there. Mark my words.

[@asada135]

It is quite possible that Ristolainen is out, since he wasnt invited to olympic candinate seminar that coaching staff had this summer.

[@batchnumber77]

I’d love to jump four years to the future and see this Finnish team then.

[@gareth5533]

No mention of Mikko Lehtonen on the Defense? He was a P/GP when he played in the KHL last season. Would be an offensive option for Finland's D-Core.

[@johnq2068]

Kk for sure. Hot new Carolina signing.

[@redfox1111999]

That team can surprise ! Finland players always have that warrior spirit in them. I wouldn't rule them out as a Cinderella team for the next Olympics and get on the podium

[@darkazon5343]

If Finland wins a medal it is not considered a surprise. We have been doing this since the late 80s. It shouldn't come as surprise anymore if we win a medal

[@redfox1111999]

Darkazon you're correct... Finland is always a team that I fear in the medal round.. they are the ultimate underdog cause they can really win those big games. You say it shouldn't come to a surprise to win a medal but I always feel that the world place Russia and Sweden ahead of them. To me they are up there with the sweeds and Russians

[@darkazon5343]

@@redfox1111999 I'd say we are ahead of the russians

[@redfox1111999]

@@darkazon5343 well I wish you guys a good tourney … and good luck except against Canada haha

[@filipohman7277]

Let's Go Finland 🇫🇮!!!!!!!

[@Ipavaiva]

Hintz will likely be 3rd center, I think top 9 could look like this Granlund-Barkov-Rantanen Laine-Aho-Teräväinen Doskoi-Hintz-Kapanen Fourth line should at least have Armia in my opinion, last two spots are gonna be figured out over the season It's a shame Rask isnt likely to be 100% and honestly, if he isn't, he might as well be left out. In that case the trio would be Saros, Korpi, Raanta. Saros likely gets to start, but assuming they are healthy(looking at you Antti), any can play in a big game

[@markopuranen5910]

I would definately want to see Aho and Teräväinen play together, maybe with Hintz as the 3rd forward. If Laine gets his shit together he could team up with Barkov and Rantanen, and if he doesn't, I would take Donskoi instead.

[@somebodythatscool]

Hope we get the return of the Laine Aho Puljujarvi line

[@joonas1827]

The GM of Team Finland Jere Lehtinen has already announced that Finland ain't taking Rasmus Ristolainen into the team. It really made headlines in here.

[@maksari7048]

I wonder if Tolvanen, Puljujärvi and Kakko are going to have difficulties fitting in. We may see few more experienced players from KHL. If Finland finds good mix there's a chance for success. I'd really like Armia and Dosnkoi in team

[@LohiHarHar]

Hakanpää should be on list also, great hitter and defensive d-man.

[@mikkomfi8643]

1 Aho-Teravainen-Donskoi (Aho and Teravainen are like married couple in Carolina, Donskoi and Aho have been playing together in the same Finnish team) 2 Barkov-Laine-Rantanen (Barkov and Laine have been playing together years in the same Finnish team and are like best buddies, Barkov creating goal chances for Laine, they are even practicing together in the summertime) 3 Hintz-Tolvanen-Granlund 4 Armis-Kapanen-Komarov, extra attackers Puljujarvi and Lundell, defenders: Heiskanen ,Ristolainen, Lindell, Ville Heinola, 3 others don't know, goaltenders: Saros, Raanta, Lankinen

[@jessekela165]

Which one sounds better Men's Olympic Hockey Team or Olympic Men's Hockey Team?

[@Zamppa86]

Barkov and Rantanen are going to play in the first line. Aho and Teräväinen in the second line. Those are pretty much given. The biggest question is Laine, is he going to play in the 1st or 2nd line. Hintz is going to be the 3rd line center. Kotkaniemi will probably lead the 4th line. Finland will definitely be the most and best casted team in the tournament. 2 extremely good offensive lines, 3rd line capable of some scoring and solid all around game. 4th line will be the defensive one which makes it absolutely disgusting to play for the opponent team's front lines. Canada will win the tournament but Finland will probably still 'overachieve' and be in the medal games aswell. Finland's well casted team will make it extremely difficult for the russians, americans, swedes and czechs.

[@RamanN00B]

yowza, what a lineup finland could have!

[@maverik094]

Hintz - Barkov - Rantanen Teravainen - Aho - Donskoi Laine - Granlund - Kapanen Haula - Kotkaniemi - Puljujarvi Armia - Kakko Heiskanen - Ristolainen Lindell - Nutivaara Valimaki - Hakanpaa Jokiharju - Vatanen Saros Rask/Korpisalo Lankinen

[@TNfelldin]

Barkov, Aho, Hintz, Kotkaniemi OH SHIT that center lineup :D

[@tt128556]

Komarov will most likely make it to the team if healthy, he's one of the best 3rd/4th liners we've got and the bottom two lines have traditionally been more defensive. If Saros has a great season, he's probably the #1 goalie, even if Rask decides to return (not enough time for Rask to get back in shape).

[@omanni]

No chance that Komarov plays in this team, Way better options even from KHL

[@iliaponomarev1624]

I would make first 2 lines like this: Teräväinen - Aho - Laine (because Aho and Teräväinen play well together, and Laine can be lethal with such partners) Hintz - Barkov - Rantanen (just the best of the best Finns outside Carolina) Then it's gonna be something like Donskoi - Granlund - Kapanen. And then it's tough to define, the season will tell. Goalies: there is also Kaapo Kähkönen.

[@awwwshucks443]

I'd argue Rantanen and Barkov are the best Finn forwards in the NHL full stop.

[@tristansurmik1233]

Reunite the 2016 Top 3 World Junior scorers, Laine - Aho - Puljujarvi, when they dominated together

[@jansshonni]

Kotkaniemi and kakko played in the u18 tournament in the same line so they know each other form there. Where they won gold.

[@d.shadows6106]

The Finnish team is pretty much the Stars and Canes combining rosters and bringing in a few other guys and I'm all for it