World Champs:Finland vs Slovakia -by moah
Ok.Slovakia looks to improve after humiliating and shocking 0-6 defeated to Denmark.
Well, yes if you would have asked anyone if such result was possible five years ago, they would laugh at you.But hockey is very different from soccer world as national teams are adjusted due to the availability of individual players.And as this was the Olympic year, most of the top players declined their attendance and so the inferior teams got a big chance of competing with traditionally big names.
And so Denmark lead by their upcoming NHL names, wiped up the Slovak new generation,delivering the goal hurricane in the first 14 minutes.But today Slovakia will be a different team,one with clear had and fresh determination.And it it due to that loss that we are able to get solid odds here as Slovakia is being treated as absolute underdog.Yes,Finns are the favorite here as they do have better quality, but I would not see it by three goals.This will of course depend on the first minutes of the match as Slovaks must hold on and settle in – they have been poor in the first periods, allowing their opponents to get on top and apply way too much pressure.
Coach Hanlon is experienced motivator and surely did his homework preparing and assembling players after the defeat.Now these players got additional boost as the long time established captain arrives.Miroslav Ε atan is in the house with all the team spirit and leadership.He should be the X factor that could bring these youngsters into a better functioning unit.Lets also not forget the skill he possesses, especially creating plays with deadly and clinical finishing.He is coming from full NHL pace,loosing the series with his Boston Bruins to Philadelphia Flyers.You might say that his morale will be low, but he is a player with big heart for the national team, plenty of experience so will be completely focused on the task ahead.
Finns have played their same old,unefficient and defensive hockey.Even when they create chances they seem to be unable to capitalize and so do not score many goals.As they will face goalie which was great up to the Danmark game (Peter Budaj) goal misery might just continue.Generally,Finns play difficult games against Slovaks, winning four and loosing three in the last seven World Cups.
Slovaks are also motivated and will not be under so much pressure as due to the win of Belarus over Germans, it will come down to that match with hosts to decide the quarterfinalist.So against Finns, Slovaks will try to grab some points extra points and make up for the failure against Denmark.
This will be difficult and close game IMO,as neither team has major advantage.Finns are better as when it comes to the depth of the team,but Slovaks are surely no three goal underdog.I expect close game,with 3-2 Finland win.
GL
Pick : Slovakia +2,5