The national team captain Antti Pennanen, fresh in his role, is betting on a squad without the really big names among the outfield players. The star is in goal, Nashville's Juuse Saros.
This does not necessarily lower the quality – and there is still a chance to bring in one or two NHL profiles. However, the criticism of the national team has been harsh after the season's performances – and it is not likely to subside.
Did not get anything for free
The narrow 2–1 win against Austria is not a completely reliable measure, but it says something. The Finns did not get anything for free in a premiere that was uncertain until the very end. Austria – Tre Kronor's opponent on Saturday afternoon – put up a fight for three periods.
The opening match at Avicii arena offered something as unusual as a family reunion. Former Finnish junior national team goalkeeper Atte Tolvanen, who normally plays in Salzburg, obtained Austrian citizenship last year and switched national teams.
Normally, you have to have been in the country for ten years. There are language tests and all sorts of other exams, but they could be skipped this time since there was an interest in getting me game-ready as soon as possible, he says to Yle.
Directly, Atte Tolvanen faced his younger brother Eeli Tolvanen, and already in one of the first shifts, Atte stopped a dangerous shot from Eeli.
But Atte Tolvanen did not get to keep a clean sheet for long. After 4.38, Patrik Puistola, with club affiliation Örebro and one of eight SHL players in the Lion's VM squad, scored the lead goal on a volley.
Equalizer denied
Whereupon HV 71 defender Mikael Seppälä elegantly set up New York Rangers' Juuso Pärssinen for 2–0>
With 6.06 minutes left of the first period, which gave the match nerves. Bernd Wolf pushed in the rebound Saros let slip.
And Finland, which faces Tre Kronor on Monday, got away with a narrow escape.
