The Finns main strength is between the pipes so they'll count on their goalies to win games for them. There also not as well rounded as most nations ether. With a really aging lineup some youth would help. Their looking like a 5 or 6 team.
In Net: The Finns main strength this year is there tandem of goalis. Mikka Kiprusof who hasn't been amazing this year still should get the go ahead over Backup Nicklas Backstrom and third stringer Peka Rinne, although all 3 could easily start.
On D: Their defense is pretty good but anything physical shouldn't be expected at all. Joni Pikanen and his partner Kimmo Timonen will be expected to most of the work. Sami Salo will be utilizing his cannon from the point on the PP and second pairing. Also one of the few right handed shots avaliable to Finland. His partner would be stay at home defenseman Toni Lydman of the Buffalo Sabres. The final pairing of exNHLer Janne Niinimaa of HV71 of the SEL and Philadelphia prospect Lasse Kukkonen of Avangard OMSK of the KHL. Rounding out the D would be fellow KHLer Ossi Vaananen of Dynamo Minsk whose currently playing in the Spengler Cup.
Up Front: The Finns are rather offensively challange from the forward point of view but have a tight defensive unit with some surprisingly physical attributes. The aging might hamper their fun however. LW Tuomo Ruutu will be expected to try and put up numbers but we've been waiting a while for that one. Centering him would be Calgary Flame Oli Jokinen and on the right Niklas Hagman of the Leafs. The second line would feature best friends and Anaheim Ducks RW Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu C. Youngster Ville Leino would represent the left side. Jussi Jokinen of the Carolina Hurricanes would be the shootout expert and the left winger on the 3rd line. Centerman Mikko Koivu of the Minnesota Wild and teamate Antti Miettinen RW. The last line consists of veteran Jere Lehtinen LW, Valtteri Filppula C and pesky Jarkko Ruutu RW. The sub should be Jarkko Immonen of AK Bars Kazan of the KHL who can play the wing and center.
Sleepers: RW Hannes Hyvonen has been playing extremely well as of late Dinamo Minsk in the KHL. Defenseman Sami Lepisto of the Phoenix Coyotes is steady and reliable. LW Sean Bergenheim of the Isles has potential and could be invited.
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