ZÜRICH. The Lions have performed flawlessly in their first two matches of the World Championships. First, Finland defeated Germany and then Hungary. There were no goal celebrations, but Finland managed to secure routine victories against both countries without major difficulties.

– Yes, we have had a good start. These are not easy games, commented the head coach of the Lions, Antti Pennanen, after Sunday’s practice.

In the Hungary game, Pennanen was particularly pleased with the offensive play, even though the Lions only scored four actual goals. There were many more chances for goals.

– Yesterday we managed to improve our offense. It was clearly better than in the Germany game. Did we have almost 77 shots, and with the blocked ones on top, we were close to a hundred. That’s a strong performance, says Pennanen.

Next, the challenge will significantly increase as the Lions face the United States on Monday. The Americans do not have a star-studded lineup this year, but the team has many skilled young players as well as some experienced star players.

– There are no big stars, but the USA has a lot of good players. A skating-powerful, fast, skilled team with very good directional change. The decisions in our own attacks need to be smart tomorrow, Pennanen anticipates.

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