TAMPERE. The Lions opened the Tampere EHT tournament on Thursday with a 1-3 loss against Switzerland.

According to Finland’s head coach Antti Pennanen, especially the final period of the match left a lot of room for improvement for the weekend.

– A tight, tough game, few scoring chances and special situations, both defended well and tightly. In the offensive play, a few situations were close. I am most disappointed with the attacking in the third period, Pennanen smiled after the match.

On Saturday, a different lineup of lions will be seen on the ice against the Czech Republic.

– The lineup will change for the Czech game, and there will certainly be players who think they can improve.

The veteran defender Sami Vatanen, who made a return to the Lions, received absolution from Pennanen along with Mikko Lehtonen.

– Both are top hockey players with a good understanding of the game, and both played a good game.

The first line led by Sakari Manninen and Jesse Puljujärvi created Finland’s best scoring chances, being almost unstoppable at times, especially in the opening period. Only the goals were missing.

– They were able to create scoring chances and were our most effective and visible line in the offensive zone, even though the goal was missing, Pennanen noted.

The Lions’ EHT tournament continues on Saturday with a match against the Czech Republic. The tournament culminates in a game against Sweden on Sunday.

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