With the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina just one month away, the excitement is palpable, especially as NHL players return to the ice for the first time since the 2014 Sochi Olympics. But here's where it gets controversial: how will Team Finland, a powerhouse in international hockey, stack up without their captain, Aleksander Barkov, who’s sidelined due to injury? And this is the part most people miss: the chemistry and depth of this roster might just make them a dark horse contender. Let’s dive into the projected lines, defense pairs, and goalie depth chart, as envisioned by NHL.com’s Senior Director of Editorial, Shawn P. Roarke.
The men’s ice hockey tournament kicks off on February 11, with Team Finland facing Slovakia in the opener, followed by matchups against Sweden on February 13 and Italy on February 14. The format? Three preliminary games per team, followed by a single-elimination playoff culminating in the gold medal game on February 22. It’s a short, intense sprint to the podium, and every lineup decision matters.
Forwards: Roope Hintz and Mikko Rantanen, both from the Dallas Stars, lead the charge alongside Mikael Granlund, who played with them last season before joining the Anaheim Ducks. Granlund’s international success—16 points in his last three World Championships and four points in last season’s 4 Nations Face-Off—makes him a standout. But here’s a thought-provoking question: Can this line replicate their club chemistry on the Olympic stage? Sebastian Aho, a stellar No. 2 center from the Carolina Hurricanes, pairs with Teuvo Teravainen of the Chicago Blackhawks, while Artturi Lehkonen, fresh off a monster season with the Colorado Avalanche, brings his two-way prowess. Eetu Luostarinen and Anton Lundell, unsung heroes of the Florida Panthers’ recent Stanley Cup wins, join Oliver Kapanen, who’s having a breakout NHL season. Joel Kiviranta, Erik Haula, and Eeli Tolvanen round out the bottom six, with Joel Armia and Kaapo Kakko as extras. Is this forward group deep enough to compensate for Barkov’s absence?
Defensemen: Miro Heiskanen and Esa Lindell, the Dallas Stars’ top pair, anchor the blue line. While some might argue splitting them up for balance, their chemistry is undeniable. But here’s a counterpoint: could pairing Lindell with Niko Mikkola, as they did at the 4 Nations Face-Off, provide more defensive stability? Mikkola and Rasmus Ristolainen form a physical, rangy duo that could dominate the boards. Mikko Lehtonen, the only non-NHL player, brings international experience, including a gold medal from the 2022 Olympics. Henri Jokiharju and Nikolas Matinpalo will compete for the final spot, with both likely seeing ice time in the preliminary round. Is this defensive corps balanced enough to handle the tournament’s high-pressure games?
Goalies: Juuse Saros of the Nashville Predators is the undisputed starter, despite early-season struggles. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has leapfrogged Kevin Lankinen on the depth chart, thanks to Lankinen’s limited playing time and inconsistent performance this season. But is Saros’ rebound enough to carry Finland to gold?
As the tournament approaches, one thing is clear: Team Finland’s roster is a blend of proven talent and rising stars. But will it be enough to overcome the loss of their captain and claim Olympic glory? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with these projected lines, or would you make changes? The debate is open!
