Is Finland already ready for the effective chain in the World Championships? "All three are good players"

On Friday, the Lions crushed Denmark 10-5. The most visible part of Finland’s game was the first line, consisting of Patrik Puistola, Janne Kuokkanen, and Aku Räty.

The chemistry among the trio worked wonderfully together, and they scored goals one after another. Puistola had 2+1 points. Kuokkanen 1+4 and Räty 1+1.

After the match, the Lions’ head coach Antti Pennanen praised the trio as they deserved.

– Kuokkanen’s performance was excellent today. We know Puistola has played in the World Championships before. Aku is in excellent form and has great skating power. It was great to see Kuokkanen achieve such success in the national team. 50 points in the SHL speaks to the quality of the player, Pennanen raved in the interview.

Kuokkanen, who played in the center of the first line, has been making a strong impact in tough leagues, but he hasn’t been seen much in the national team yet.

– An extremely intelligent player, as we saw today. I am really happy for him that he got such success in the national team, which gives confidence, Pennanen praises.

The chemistry of the first line worked so well together that the trio could already be ready for the third line in the World Championships. Pennanen still tempers the thought.

– Well, we aren’t going to the World Championships yet. There are still playoffs to be played in the NHL. All three are good players, and the selections will be tough, Pennanen says.

The competition for positions in the World Championships is exceptionally fierce this spring. However, Puistola, who skated on the left wing of the first line, does not see that the first line has gained extra energy from the pressure situation.

– I don’t really think about it. Of course, I try to do my best, but there’s no point in overthinking it. It’s the coaching staff’s decision when the time comes, Puistola says.

– We managed to get some offensive play going like in the Latvia game. Kuokkanen is an excellent playmaker and sees the ice well. Aku is very skilled and can finish. I will try to buzz around in there as well.

In the World Championships, the Finnish team will see Aleksander Barkov, who is one of the best two-way forwards in the world. What kind of experience would it be to play with Barkov?

– Certainly unique. It’s rare to get to be on the same team with such great players. He is a world-class player. Of course, it would be great, Puistola says.