Patrick Laine | Photo credit: nhl.com
The Finnish national team announces the first reinforcements from overseas before the home championship: in Tampere, they can count on defender Olli Määtta and forwards Sakari Manninen and Patrik Lain.
And one great news for fans in the Czech Republic: Laine et al. they are supposed to play for Finland at the upcoming Czech Hockey Games in Brno!
Laine has a reputation as one of the most gifted shooters in the NHL, he is extremely quick in the end: his shot is famous for speed and accuracy. This year, Laine struggled with a long-term injury, he also lost his beloved father during the season, yet he again confirmed his high standard and scored a total of 52 points (22+30) in 55 games.
However, he did not prevent the Columbus fiasco. Now he intends to prepare his appetite for the World Cup, where he will present himself for only the second time in his career. “It’s great to have him on board,” rejoices Jere Lehtinen, Finland’s general manager. “He will be playing in the World Cup in his hometown, so I believe it’s a unique opportunity for him.”
“He will be playing at the World Cup in his hometown, so I believe it’s a unique opportunity for him.”
Finland has two golds and one silver from the last three world championships, it also won last year’s Olympic Games and therefore currently rules international hockey – it was able to win titles even without significant reinforcements from the NHL, because it won mainly thanks to teamwork and the system.
Of course, the Finns could not underestimate Laine’s shooting skills. In addition, compared to his beginnings in the NHL, he has significantly improved his defensive activity, so he will not have a problem with fulfilling tactical instructions.
Look, who is back in his best shape again. We’ve criticized Patrik Laine last years because of he was really not good in those years. But this year? He’s playing on elite level. Yeah, it’s weird with the fact how Columbus is terrible. pic.twitter.com/XdfLRRyoxo
— Andy & Rono (@ARHockeyStats) January 26, 2023
He was not missing in recent Finnish successes
Sakari Manninen
attacker, 31 years old
” href=” Manninen, who shone at the World Cup last year with six goals in ten games. After his senior year, he went overseas to try it, but he did not make it to the Vegas roster, and spent the entire season on the farm in Henderson (53 games, 14+26). And although the Golden Knights are still playing in the playoffs, they allowed Manninen to participate in the championship.
2023-04-23 10:17:00
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