Probably sounds like a broken record on here...but Backlund is looking very good. Lots of speed on the rush, and he got back quick on that 3 v. 1 by Canada
The first goal was a lucky bounce, and Finland should have had at least 2 more goals with Thomas down and out with a wide open cage but just failed to score.
There's a real chance this will be the third time in history team Finland does not make it to the top 8. Would be their worst result since 1955.
Finland should be able to win their last game against Kazakstan, but since both Belarus and Latvia have one point more and one game in hand, it might not even matter. If Belarus beats Latvia and Latvia beats Switzerland for example, the tournament is over.
There's a real chance this will be the third time in history team Finland does not make it to the top 8. Would be their worst result since 1955.
Finland should be able to win their last game against Kazakstan, but since both Belarus and Latvia have one point more and one game in hand, it might not even matter. If Belarus beats Latvia and Latvia beats Switzerland for example, the tournament is over.
Exciting times.
The best thing for the Finns obviously is if the Latvia wins in regulation (which I think they will). I think the Finns handle the Kazaks easily and end up with 11 points. I think Latvia beats Belarus and Switzerland and finishes with 15 points and the #2 seed (who would have thought that coming in!) Then I think the Russian lay a beating on Belarus. With a US win against the Germans that would give the Finns the #4 seed. At least that is how I see it playing out.
The best thing for the Finns obviously is if the Latvia wins in regulation (which I think they will). I think the Finns handle the Kazaks easily and end up with 11 points. I think Latvia beats Belarus and Switzerland and finishes with 15 points and the #2 seed (who would have thought that coming in!) Then I think the Russian lay a beating on Belarus. With a US win against the Germans that would give the Finns the #4 seed. At least that is how I see it playing out.
We can hope.
There's also the chance the since the last game won't matter to the Russians, they might find a way to lose to the Belarus.
(Heck, it wouldn't even shock me if the Russians did it on purpose, either for political reasons or as payback for the last Olympics.)
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There's also the chance the since the last game won't matter to the Russians, they might find a way to lose to the Belarus.
(Heck, it wouldn't even shock me if the Russians did it on purpose, either for political reasons or as payback for the last Olympics.)
The Russians won't lose to Belarus on purpose, losing to one of their former satellite countries would be far more of an embarrassment for the players than anything Finland ever did to them
When Canada lost to effin France, I was scared they could end up in the same position Finland is in now. Other countries are starting to close the gap and are able to ice their best lineups while top countries have a lot of their best players still in the NHL or are not interested.
The Russians won't lose to Belarus on purpose, losing to one of their former satellite countries would be far more of an embarrassment for the players than anything Finland ever did to them
Meh, they'l just invade them and pilfer their talent to bolster their own..
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