This is how the Lions dulled the Canadian stars – Antti Pennanen revealed the turning point of the World Championship semi-final

ZÜRICH. Head coach Antti Pennanen led the Lions to a convincing performance in the semi-finals of the World Championships against Canada’s star team, advancing to Sunday’s dream final against the host nation Switzerland, who are seeking their first World Championship gold, with a 4-2 victory.

Pennanen summarized the match against Canada in front of the media.

– The start was a bit slow, the second period was excellent, and in the third we did enough, Pennanen summarized the semi-final battle.

The Lions made the necessary adjustments to their game during the first intermission, after which Canada was completely outplayed by Finland, especially in the second period.

– We wanted to react, anticipate, and go for the pucks. Mainly, it was about starting to play more boldly and daringly. The evening is full of opportunities. Now is not the time to wait too much; we need to start playing, Pennanen explained the changes made during the first intermission.

Finland’s captain Aleksander Barkov’s top line completely shut down Canada’s brightest NHL stars, led by Macklin Celebrini and Sidney Crosby. Pennanen gave deserved praise to his top forwards.

– Absolutely excellent (game from the top line). There was no matchup advantage, but we tried to get them against Celebrini and Crosby as often as possible until we realized that it wasn’t necessary. Of course, top players will get a few chances, that’s clear, but we managed quite well against them.

The Lions’ discipline improved from earlier matches in the tournament, and their solid penalty kill kept Canada’s stars in check throughout both penalties.

– The penalty kill has a good combination. It is aggressively right and, of course, we have many smart forwards in there with good game sense. However, the penalty kill requires that good game sense, Pennanen reminds.

The performance of the Lions’ number one goalie, Justus Annunen, who has played throughout the tournament, was also impressive.

– Absolutely excellent today. The third period was really good. He did what a winning goalie does, and his confidence seems to be growing all the time, Pennanen observes.

Lessons have been learned from Tuesday’s group stage finale against final opponent Switzerland, according to Pennanen.

– I believe the players know that a full arena, home crowd, and a great atmosphere are probably the biggest lessons. And the preparation for the first ten minutes is better than last time, Pennanen lists the areas for improvement for Sunday.

The victory over Canada gave the team a huge confidence boost looking ahead to the final.

– Of course, this gives a big confidence boost, but now it’s important to calm down, Pennanen concluded.

The final between Finland and Switzerland will crown this spring’s World Championship tournament on Sunday. The match starts at 21:20. Canada and Norway will meet beforehand in the bronze medal match starting at 16:30.

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