Ahead of the 4 Nations Face-off, let’s take a closer look at team Finland. The Finns have the smallest population of the four countries involved, a clear disadvantage to start from. Still, the Finns are always punching above their weight thanks to an emphasis on strong defending as a team. With a number of high end football players at their disposal, the greatest challenge for Finland will be to withstand the depth advantage that the other teams in this tournament have over them.
Forwards
Hintz—Barkov—Lehkonen
Teravainen—Aho—Rantanen
Kakko—Granlund—Laine
Luostarinen—Lundell—Armia
Haula
Potential replacements: Matias Maccelli, Eeli Tolvanen, Jesperi Kotkaniemi
The main strength, as well as the main deployment question, comes with the strength at centre. With Aleksander Barkov, Sebastian Aho, and Roope Hintz down the middle, Finland has three solid top line options. Mikko Rantanen joins as a true star, deployed here with his new NHL linemate. Production from these players will be imperative for Finland to find success, and so chemistry will be vital.
Beyond them, a quartet of wingers appear likely to fit alongside. Patrik Laine represents the highest upside option, while Teuvo Teravainen, Artturi Lehkonen, and even Kappo Kakko might be able to find a niche on a star studded line. Mikael Granlund is having a resurgent season with the San Jose Sharks, enough to inspire some confidence in a top nine role.
Florida Panthers teammates Eetu Luostarinen and Anton Lundell are tailor made options as a checking duo. Other fourth lines in this tournament might have more skill, but the Panthers duo at least have a chance to hold defensively. Joel Armia is one of the few right shots on this roster, and is a fine fit in this role.
Finland does have at least three solid replacement options with varying skill sets. Eeli Tolvanen is a shooter who could inject some offence. Matias Maccelli might be just as good, though providing a bit more of a counter attacking and support playmaking elements. Jesperi Kotkaniemi is a defensive centre. Which player is called on to fill in might be directly tied to which player needs to be replaced.
Defence
Lindell—Heiskanen
Maatta—Ristolainen
Mikkola—Valimaki
Hakanpaa
Potential replacements: Henri Jokiharju, Urho Vaakanainen
The issue of depth is even more evident on the blueline, as Finland does not have a lot of leeway after Miro Heiskanen. Heiskanen is all world, and would be an easy choice for any team in this tournament. Unfortunately, Heiskanen is injured and will miss the tournament. There is no player that the team is more diminished by missing, as the rest of the group does not have the all around game controlling ability to replace Heiskanen. There might be no player more central to their team’s hopes in the whole tournament.
What the group does have is some defensive options. Esa Lindell, Olli Maatta, and Niko Mikkola are all solid defenders, but might need some support moving the puck. Rasmus Ristolainen and Juuso Valimaki will have their work cut out for them. As a much needed right shot and as a puck mover Henri Jokiharju could end up being an injury replacement. With Jani Hakanpaa also questionable to be healthy, the Finns may not have much choice. There is an opportunity for a truly surprise pick to fill in, perhaps even an AHLer.
Finland will have to rely on a strong defensive team structure, counterpunching off of turnovers with some of their skilled forwards. the defence will have to play hard and simple, which will not help the Finns control possession. At full health the Finns were already underdogs, and that gap has only widened as losing Heiskanen cannot be understated.
Goalies
Saros
Luukkonen
Lankinen
Potential replacements: Joel Blomqvist
Naturally, the goaltending will be a crucial part of any upsets that Finland is able to author. Juuse Saros is expected to be the starter despite a down season for his Nashville Predators. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is a well regarded young goalie who has often played behind struggling Buffalo Sabres teams. Kevin Lankinen has been a blessing for the Vancouver Canucks with Thatcher Demko missing so much time to injury, and might have done enough to be the backup here.
Given the limited abilities of the blueline, and the relative strength of the other teams in the tournament, the Finnish netminders will have their work cut out for them. The defensive structure will need to be sound, as the Finns will have to employ a bend-but-don’t-break style. Expect a clogged middle of the ice and lots of blocked shots. Saros will need to capture a Vezina Trophy worthy form while the Finns wait for an offensive break.
What to expect from Finland
The Finns will need to play near perfect, with by far the slimmest path to victory in the tournament. The Heiskanen injury is devastating, and certainly will not help the optics of their chances at this tournament. Some fans might argue that Czechia has been the more consistent and impressive nation on the world stage recently. Finland’s natural rivalry with Sweden does provide some sizzle, at least.
Still, the Finns are no stranger to playing spoiler and beating teams with more talent. They will need to be firing on all cylinders, but a unites and collective team effort could be enough to cause trouble for teams who rely on individual talent to win. Opponents will need to stay patient to avoid being frustrated while the Finns try to shorten games with tight checking.
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