ZÜRICH. Mikael Granlund made his debut in the World Championships against Latvia on Thursday. The result couldn’t have been much better, as Finland secured a crushing 7-1 victory. Granlund recorded one assist in the match.

– We played a really good game. Great feeling. It was nice to play again after a long time, Granlund commented after the match.

The first game came very quickly for Granlund. He arrived in Zurich only on Wednesday evening. The feeling in his body wasn’t the best possible.

– It was okay, but let’s just say that it will definitely feel better going forward.

Granlund was immediately placed in Finland’s top line alongside Aleksander Barkov. The duo’s chemistry was already pleasing at this stage.

– There were some really good things. Of course, we can definitely improve, but it’s always nice to play with a guy like that, Granlund said with a smile.

In his national team career, Granlund has become one of the most effective players for the Lions. Even before this spring, he had played in seven World Championships and scored 54 points in 57 games with 15 goals and 39 assists.

Regarding his impressive national team form, Granlund is quite modest.

– It doesn’t always go that well. Everyone only remembers that sometimes it has gone well, Granlund laughs.

– If you get to participate enough times, there will be successes too. I’ve always liked being here. It always feels like coming home when you get to join the national team.

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