MILANO.

The Lions had to bow to Canada in the Olympic semifinals. Finland led 2-0, but ultimately Canada forced its way back and ahead. The 3-2 goal came 36 seconds before the end.

In Finland’s goal, Juuse Saros played an incredible match. Canada shot 39 times, and Saros made numerous top saves.

After the game, Saros was quite reserved, the loss weighed heavily on him.

– It [a good personal game] doesn’t warm me at this point, Saros simply said.

In his remarks, the head coach of the Lions, Antti Pennanen, praised Saros.

– He was excellent, gave us a chance to win, has been outstanding throughout the tournament, Pennanen said.

And when it was the turn of Canada’s head coach Jon Cooper, the praise became effusive. When Cooper was asked about Saros, the seasoned coach was silent for a moment, thought, and then let loose.

– He is one of the most talented goalies I have ever seen, Cooper said.

– While 195-centimeter goalies are commonplace today, [180-centimeter] Saros has found a way to be a superstar. His speed and how he finds the pucks, that’s where he is the best in the world.

– In a 0-2 situation, my big concern was how we would get past Saros.

Jaakko Perttilä
X: @JaakkoPerttila

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