World Championships – Group B Preview

3. FINLAND

Apr 13, 2013; Toronto, ON, Canada; Toronto Maple Leafs center

(47) skates with the puck against the Montreal Canadiens at the Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Canadiens, 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

After a quick look at the Finnish roster, not a lot of names will jump out at you. But considering their competition in the group that includes Switzerland, Germany, and Latvia, the Finish should move on with ease. Throw in the fact that that Pekka Rinne will be the backbone of the team in nets, Finland should be able to compete with any team in the tournament.

Player to Watch: Leo Komarov, Dynamo Moscow
After spending the season in the KHL, Komorov will be on many team’s wish lists as he prepares to return to the NHL- including possibly the Senators. The former Maple Leaf will try to put in a solid audition with an increased role for Finland after he played just 12 minutes per game during the Olympics.

Coach: Erkka Westerlund

Forwards:
Tommi Huhtala, Espoo Blues
Jarkko Immonen, Torpedo Nizhni Novgorod
Olli Jokinen, Winnipeg Jets
pekka Jormakka, Tappara Tampere
Leo Komarov, Dynamo Moscow
Petri Kontiola, Traktor Chelyabinsk
Jori Lehtera, Sibir Novosibirsk
Iro Paarinen, IFK Helsinki
Olli Palola, Tappara Trampere
Jere Salinen, Orebro HK
Tomi Sallinen, Espoo Blues
Miikka Salomaki, Milwaukee Admirals
Veli-Matti Savinainen, Yugra Khanty-Mansisk
Petteri Wirtanen, Donbass Donetsk

Defence:
Huuso Hietanen, Torpedo Nizhni Novgorod
Jere Karalahti, Jokerit Helsinki
Tommi Kivisto, Ilves Tampere
oskari Korpikari, Pelicans Lahti
Ville Lajunen, Farjestad BK
Tuukka Mantyla, Metallurg Novokuznetsk
Jyri Marttinen, Assat Pori
Atte Ohtamaa, Karpat Oulu

Goalies:
Mikko Koskinen, Sibir Novosibirsk
Pekka Rinne, Nashville Predators
Juuse Saros, HPK Hameenlinna