Crowded Crease For Finland’s Orientation Camp

In addition to Canada, The US and Russia announcing their Olympic orientation camp invite list, the Finnish squad was also announced.  The part that stands out about their roster is the depth of goaltending the Finns will put out.

Apr 19, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne (35) plays the puck against the Chicago Blackhawks during the third period at the United Center. The Blackhawks beat the Predators 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

They invited 8 goalies, including Pekka Rinne, Tuukka Rask, Niklas Backstrom Kari Lehtonen and Antti Niemi.  This could be the toughest spot on any team to crack, with the trio or Rinne, Rask and Niemi all top level NHL goalies and Backstrom a veteran of the Olympics but probably being forced off the roster.

While Canada will be looking for a goaltender to just not lose the tournament, the Finns are overmatched in most areas and will be counting on a goalie to steal them a medal.

The Finns could be looking a the last kick at the can with a number of their veteran players – Teemu Selanne, Saku Koivu, Kimmo Timonen, Sami Salo, all part of the old guard who will probably be making their final Olympic appearances. There are also a number of former NHLers still playing in Europe that are part of the Finnish list (Jarkko Ruutu, Jere Karalahti, Niko Kapanen)

The new up-and-comers were also invited, including 2nd overall pick Aleksander Barkov and Michael Granlund up front.  Buffalo first round pick, defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen was not included on the roster.