Mikko Rantanen had time to suggest a completely different solution when Artturi Lehkonen broke through - "We have the same"

MILANO.

Artturi Lehkonen ignited the arena with joy and took Finland to the Olympic semifinals with his overtime goal. The Lions defeated Switzerland 3-2 in a fierce quarterfinal.

After the match, Lehkonen was asked what was discussed in the locker room during the second intermission, when Switzerland was still leading 2-0 at that point.

– We just need to keep pushing, and we will definitely get our chances and can turn the game around, Lehkonen said.

The Colorado Avalanche forward who scored the winning goal also mentioned which players spoke to the team at that moment.

– A lot of guys, Mikke [Granlund], Rane [Rantanen] contributed a lot to that and of course Sepe [Aho]. They definitely took the floor.

What about the breakaway that decided the match?

– I’ve been in breakaways before, it probably goes more on muscle memory. You don’t really have time to think about bigger things in that moment. You notice you’re through and you execute it. Luckily it went in!

Rantanen speculated while talking to the media that Lehkonen would try to go between the goalie’s legs. Lehkonen burst into laughter and said:

– Rane and I have the same breakaways, it’s either a backhand or a forehand.

Lehkonen was also heavily involved in the equalizing goal that came at the end of regulation time, which ultimately went in off a Swiss player.

– I of course tried to get a touch on it, but luckily it went in off his stick. Hine [Hintz] and Rane made a hell of a play to find the center. Hine also found Miron [Heiskanen], who was able to play it to the goalie. Luckily it bounced in.

The 38-year-old Swiss goalie Leonardo Genoni was once again doing wonders. Lehkonen lavished praise on the Swiss rubber man, who has never played in the NHL during his career.

– He played absolutely incredibly well, was quite calm in goal. There weren’t many rebounds or overtime plays.

Jaakko Perttilä
X: @JaakkoPerttila