Quote:
Originally Posted by icarus
So much awesomeness in that video from the cheerleaders to the Finnish language in general, but great breakaway goal by Granlund. Excellent first shot and great poise to stick with it and make sure the rebound went in. I think I heard Patrick O'Sullivan's name so it just goes to remind us that the SM-Liiga is not miles off the NHL in terms of level of play so that bodes well for Granlund and Ortio.
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Well he also scored on an NHL starter, Antti Niemi, for whatever it's worth. Granlund's team HIFK hasn't really acquired any big lockout names, which is probably good for the young players. Teams are pretty conservative about getting them, although their local rivals Jokerit have pretty good ones in Erik Karlsson and Valtteri Filppula. Would have been disappointing if HIFK had replaced Ortio with an NHL goalie, for example.
The Finnish and Swedish leagues are comparable to the AHL. Maybe in some ways they're better because they have more mature talent, but the gap between them and the NHL is similar. In any case, talented players elevate their games when they arrive at the NHL level. Better competition and better teammates brings out the best in them.
EDIT: Looking at HIFK's lineup, they have Stephane Robidas, Sean Bergenheim, and Lennart Petrell that I recognise as NHL players. Teams are reluctant to commit to the huge insurance money the star players require.