Here is the Lions’ greatest strength compared to the 4 Nations – “Not even breaking a sweat”
The Lions head to the ice hockey Olympic tournament starting on Wednesday as challengers, although a medal is a completely realistic preliminary goal for the Finns.
The Score listed the biggest question mark for each top team in the tournament. In the case of the Lions, the defense has emerged as such. Miro Heiskanen, who was sidelined due to injury during the 4 Nations tournament, is required to make a huge contribution against the top teams.
– Finland is heading to the tournament for the second consecutive time without its top 2 player. Last time it was Heiskanen, now it’s Aleksander Barkov. Fortunately for Finland, Barkov’s absence is easier to handle than Heiskanen’s, thanks to a convincing center lineup led by Sebastian Aho, Roope Hintz, and Anton Lundell.
– Heiskanen’s presence was missed in the 4 Nations, as after him the defensive lineup is of the “meat and potatoes” variety. The addition of the Dallas Stars workhorse changes everything and also allows other defenders to play in roles that suit them better. Heiskanen can play half the game, and it doesn’t even seem to make him sweat, the site emphasizes the impact of the Stars’ star defenseman.
The Score reminds that Heiskanen plays a role in the NHL night after night that other Finnish defensemen do not operate in.
– He has the ability to neutralize the opponent’s best players while creating offensive play at the other end of the rink. If the Lions advance far, it will be a result of Heiskanen’s success in big games, the site concludes its assessment.
The Lions will face Slovakia in their opening match of the tournament on Wednesday. The match starts at 17:40.
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