Team Finland’s Goalie Conundrum
Team Finland’s goaltending situation leading into the 4 Nations Face-Off is a fascinating study in the dynamics of exceptional talent and challenging circumstances. Despite not having any significant injuries to their goalies, the team must navigate a tricky decision on who to start in net. The trio of Juuse Saros, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, and Kevin Lankinen each brings a unique set of credentials, making the choice anything but straightforward.
Kevin Lankinen’s Resurgence
Kevin Lankinen, the former Chicago Blackhawks goalie, has emerged as the standout option this season. After two years as the backup to Saros in Nashville, Lankinen opted for a fresh start and signed with the Vancouver Canucks late in the off-season. His decision has paid off, as he has started 32 games this season, boasting a 19-8-7 record, a 2.53 goals-against average (GAA), and a .905 save percentage (SV%). Lankinen’s performance at the start of the season was nothing short of stellar, but as the Canucks’ fortunes have waned, so have his numbers. Nonetheless, his recent play, despite the team’s decline, makes him a compelling choice for Team Finland.
Lankinen’s NHL Journey
Lankinen’s NHL career has been a journey of perseverance and skill. He spent his first two seasons with the Blackhawks, where he saw the most action in 2020-21 as a 25-year-old rookie. That year, he managed a respectable 17-14-5 record, a 3.01 GAA, and a .909 SV%, all during a period when the Blackhawks were in the midst of a rebuild. His solid play continued into the following season, but he ultimately decided to seek a new opportunity. His career statistics over five seasons in the NHL have been commendable, with four of those seasons featuring respectable numbers. Lankinen’s experience and recent success make him a valuable asset for Team Finland.
Saros’ Mixed Bag
Juuse Saros, the most experienced of the trio, has had a career filled with consistent starts and impressive numbers. However, this season has been a bit of a rollercoaster for the Nashville Predators’ netminder. Saros, who typically starts the season slowly, had a strong beginning this year. Unfortunately, as the Predators continue to disappoint, Saros’ performance has taken a hit. He currently stands at 11-23-6 with a 2.95 GAA and an .898 SV%. Despite his career accolades, the current form of the Predators has negatively impacted his play, which could be a factor in Team Finland’s decision-making process.
Luukkonen’s Steady Performance
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, the youngest of the three, has had a steady but unspectacular season with the Buffalo Sabres. He is 18-16-4 with a 3.02 GAA and an .895 SV%. Luukkonen, who was uncontested for the starting position again this season, finds himself on a team that is once again at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. While his overall numbers are not as impressive as Lankinen’s, he has shown moments of brilliance and consistency, which should not be overlooked.
The Tournament Dynamics
The 4 Nations Face-Off is a compact tournament where every game counts, and stellar goaltending performances can be the difference between victory and defeat. All three goalies have had to deal with the challenges of being on struggling teams, but Lankinen’s recent hot streak and respectable numbers make him the logical choice for the first game. Recency bias, while not always the best indicator, should play a significant role given the short and intense nature of the tournament. Team Finland would be wise to lean on the goalie who has shown the most form, and in this case, that seems to be Lankinen. The competition is fierce, with every team fielding top NHL talent, but with the right goaltending, Team Finland stands a real chance.
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