Finland must turn to Kevin Lankinen over shaken Juuse Saros
The tournament is too short and the margins for error too thin. Kevin Lankinen should get the start in Saturday’s must-win matinee against all-time rival Sweden.
admin
MONTREAL — As the victorious Tkachuk boys shared a victory podium and a stat sheet splashed five times over with the family name, their victim stood in the shadows and spoke in a hushed voice on a night he gave up a touchdown to the Americans.
Juuse Saros — the undersized starting goalie for the 4 Nations underdogs — had held his own through 40 minutes. Team Finland looked smart and connected early. Montreal was on its side.
Then the third period began with instant deflation.
Matthew Tkachuk sifted a soft wrister 57 feet away from Saros’s net that bent twine and crushed spirit. Jake Guentzel scored on the very next attempt, 14 seconds later. Brady Tkachuk lit the lamp just 94 seconds and two shots after that.
“Two good periods,” a shaken Saros quietly told Sportsnet.ca, avoiding the cameras at the podium. Then the third period began. “That was kinda the difference.”
What did he see on Matthew’s attempt from the point?
“Obviously, a harmless shot, and then it got deflected off our D-man,” said Saros, who tried to rebound mentally. “Just play the game. So, yeah, not worry about the goal. Try to battle.”
/* if ( "1" == true && 'undefined' !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) { var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}}; adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( 'http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6368799136112&cmsid=384', so, permalink); } else { adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6368799136112&cmsid=384"; } */ adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6368799136112&cmsid=384"; var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.includes("cust_params"); var queryString=''; if(adServerUrl_result){ var gettheDUFI = false; if (localStorage.getItem("consent") !== null && localStorage.getItem("consent-targeting") !== null) gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem("theRED_loc");
if(gettheDUFI){ queryString += "dufiid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; queryString += "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; var ppid = "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; }
var DUFI_IP = false; if (localStorage.getItem("consent") !== null && localStorage.getItem("consent-targeting") !== null) DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem("DUFI_IP");
if(DUFI_IP){ queryString += "dufiip=" + DUFI_IP + '&'; }
adServerUrl = adServerUrl.replace(/cust_params=/, ppid + 'cust_params=' + encodeURIComponent(queryString) ); }
$el.after( unescape("%3Cscript src=\"" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\" %3E%3C/script%3E") );
$( document ).one( 'ready', function() { $( "#video_container-561215" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: true, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6368799136112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/6368799136112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/gotta-see-it-usa-scores-twice-in-11-seconds-to-blow-game-open-vs-finland/" }); });
Finnish coach Antti Pennanen made the debatable decision to start Saros, his most experienced option, in this game.
He also made the wrong decision to keep him in the game, as the Americans pumped six unanswered past an obviously rattled netminder, spiralling a hard-fought battle into a 6-1 laugher for the Tkachuks and their pals.
Lusty “SAAR-ROOOS!” razzes spewed down from the outnumbered American supporters.
And the U.S. fans were clever-slash-mean enough to repurpose the infamous “You suck! It’s all your fault!” chant that Nashville Predators supporters unload on opposing goalies who have a bad night on Broadway.
Why let Saros hang around to get shelled and ridiculed?
“I spoke with our goalie coach, and we make the decision to continue like that, with Jusse,” said Pennanen, who loved his plucky group’s effort through two periods.
“I don’t know what happened after that. Start of the third was… I don’t know how to say that. We wasn’t ready for that.”
Added Joel Armia: “I think the game would have been a little bit different. Then a couple of quick goals in the third period kind of took a little bit of life out of our game.”
And captain Aleksander Barkov: “First couple of shifts in the third period, the game kinda got away from us.”
/* if ( "1" == true && 'undefined' !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) { var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}}; adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( 'http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6368804680112&cmsid=384', so, permalink); } else { adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6368804680112&cmsid=384"; } */ adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6368804680112&cmsid=384"; var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.includes("cust_params"); var queryString=''; if(adServerUrl_result){ var gettheDUFI = false; if (localStorage.getItem("consent") !== null && localStorage.getItem("consent-targeting") !== null) gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem("theRED_loc");
if(gettheDUFI){ queryString += "dufiid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; queryString += "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; var ppid = "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; }
var DUFI_IP = false; if (localStorage.getItem("consent") !== null && localStorage.getItem("consent-targeting") !== null) DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem("DUFI_IP");
if(DUFI_IP){ queryString += "dufiip=" + DUFI_IP + '&'; }
adServerUrl = adServerUrl.replace(/cust_params=/, ppid + 'cust_params=' + encodeURIComponent(queryString) ); }
$el.after( unescape("%3Cscript src=\"" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\" %3E%3C/script%3E") );
$( document ).one( 'ready', function() { $( "#video_container-590222" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: true, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6368804680112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/6368804680112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/family-matters-for-united-states-as-tkachuk-brothers-dominate-finland/" }); });
The 29-year-old Saros finished the night with .813 save percentage and an uppercut to his confidence.
We talk about successful players using this 4 Nations spotlight as a potential springboard for confidence and improved performance.
Winnipeg is banking on that with Friday’s winning goalie, Connor Hellebuyck. Ottawa is hoping its captain returns with even more swagger. And Toronto’s oft-maligned Mitch Marner enjoyed one clutch moment.
But what of the reeling athlete who seeks redemption and stumbles?
Saros’s nightmare season got a shade darker Friday. (So, full marks to the man for answering an interview request.)
His Predators — as a free-spending franchise — have underwhelmed.
And he is in the middle of his first sub-.900-save-percentage season. He’s struggling through the worst record (11-23-6) and worst goals-saved-above-average rating (-4.3) of his 10-season career.
“He’s a really good goalie,” Pennanen said of the decision to start Saros, after he had lost five straight for the Preds. “We have three really good goalies, and it wasn’t an easy call.”
/* if ( "1" == true && 'undefined' !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) { var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}}; adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( 'http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6368799825112&cmsid=384', so, permalink); } else { adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6368799825112&cmsid=384"; } */ adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6368799825112&cmsid=384"; var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.includes("cust_params"); var queryString=''; if(adServerUrl_result){ var gettheDUFI = false; if (localStorage.getItem("consent") !== null && localStorage.getItem("consent-targeting") !== null) gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem("theRED_loc");
if(gettheDUFI){ queryString += "dufiid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; queryString += "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; var ppid = "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; }
var DUFI_IP = false; if (localStorage.getItem("consent") !== null && localStorage.getItem("consent-targeting") !== null) DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem("DUFI_IP");
if(DUFI_IP){ queryString += "dufiip=" + DUFI_IP + '&'; }
adServerUrl = adServerUrl.replace(/cust_params=/, ppid + 'cust_params=' + encodeURIComponent(queryString) ); }
$el.after( unescape("%3Cscript src=\"" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\" %3E%3C/script%3E") );
$( document ).one( 'ready', function() { $( "#video_container-980191" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: true, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6368799825112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/6368799825112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/brady-tkachuk-uses-quick-move-to-bury-second-goal-against-finland/" }); });
Thing is, Pennanen had a hot hand at the ready.
Vancouver’s Kevin Lankinen — 19-8-7, .905 — has posted better stats and underlying analytics than Saros across the board.
Yes, Saros, 29, has a longer track record and more playoff experience. He was Finland’s guy. But he can’t be any longer.
The tournament is too short and the margins for error too thin.
Lankinen should get the start in Saturday’s must-win matinee against all-time rival Sweden. Heck, he should’ve got a test drive after Saros allowed the third goal. Or the fourth. Or fifth. Or…
To be fair, long-shot, blueline-depleted Finland’s hope at this event was to get stellar goaltending and grind out tight decisions with timely goals.
So, when that didn’t happen Friday against Team USA, did anyone offer Saros words of encouragement after things fell apart?
“There’s nothing really that needs to be said,” Saros said. “It’s a loss. We move on.”
Fox’s Fast Five
• In addition to some boo birds swooping during “The Star-Spangled Banner,” a few rounds of “F— USA!” chants could be heard loud and clear.
Saturday night will bring a visceral affair, rowdy on the ice and in the stands.
Matthew Tkachuk on the disrespect: “I didn’t like it. That’s all I got.”
/* if ( "1" == true && 'undefined' !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) { var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}}; adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( 'http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6368795712112&cmsid=384', so, permalink); } else { adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6368795712112&cmsid=384"; } */ adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6368795712112&cmsid=384"; var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.includes("cust_params"); var queryString=''; if(adServerUrl_result){ var gettheDUFI = false; if (localStorage.getItem("consent") !== null && localStorage.getItem("consent-targeting") !== null) gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem("theRED_loc");
if(gettheDUFI){ queryString += "dufiid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; queryString += "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; var ppid = "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; }
var DUFI_IP = false; if (localStorage.getItem("consent") !== null && localStorage.getItem("consent-targeting") !== null) DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem("DUFI_IP");
if(DUFI_IP){ queryString += "dufiip=" + DUFI_IP + '&'; }
adServerUrl = adServerUrl.replace(/cust_params=/, ppid + 'cust_params=' + encodeURIComponent(queryString) ); }
$el.after( unescape("%3Cscript src=\"" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\" %3E%3C/script%3E") );
$( document ).one( 'ready', function() { $( "#video_container-669886" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: true, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6368795712112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/6368795712112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/montreal-crowd-reacts-to-usa-and-finland-national-anthems/" }); });
• Nikolas Matinpalo, 26, is the most unlikely of invitees to this tournament, having yet to register a point in his 22 career NHL appearances.
Because only NHLers are eligible and because three Finnish D-men pulled out injured, the Ottawa Senators ’tweener got an opportunity of a lifetime.
“Really excited for him. He found out after our game in Florida, and you could just tell how happy he was — and how happy we are for him,” Sens captain Brady Tkachuk says. “It’s well deserved. He’s an important piece to our team.”
• As is the case when the Maple Leafs roll into town, Auston Matthews was booed lustily every time his blade touched the puck.
• Swedish coach Sam Hallam only used Cup-winning defencemen Victor Hedman and Gustav Forsling more than William Nylander (20:30) in Wednesday’s OT loss to Canada.
But the star forward didn’t have a great opener by any means. He was a dash-1, lost most of his faceoffs and only two of his nine attempts hit the net.
What would Hallam like to see from his scariest shooter in Saturday’s grudge match versus Finland?
“One more step in him, definitely,” says Hallam, adding that applies to the whole roster.
• Brady Tkachuk was named Second Star and big brother Matthew First Star. It should’ve been the other way around.
The younger sibling’s stock is on the rise.
A physical force who crashed the net for his nation’s opening goal, then tacked on another, Brady bullied his way onto head coach Mike Sullivan’s top six, joining Matthew on a Jack Eichel–centred trio.
“He’s the best net-front guy in the entire league,” Jake Sanderson said.
Kyle Connor got dropped down to more of a checking role as the game hummed on.
