Mikael Granlund Addresses Concerns Surrounding the Lions
In a candid moment, Mikael Granlund addressed the ongoing chatter about the performance of the Lions, Finland’s ice hockey team, which is seeking Olympic glory. On a promising note, the team trained at full capacity on Tuesday.
Earlier in the week, there was some unease regarding the health of the squad, particularly after standout player Anton Lundell missed Monday’s match against Italy. Granlund made a noticeable impression during that practice, stepping up in Lundell’s absence.
“Everything is fine now,” Granlund reassured. “I had a bit of soreness yesterday that kept me from training, but I’m back and ready to go.” Lundell, it turns out, had been sidelined due to a bout with the norovirus.
“The Best Games Await”
With the quarterfinals looming on Wednesday, Granlund expressed his excitement. “These are the best games of the tournament. The stakes have never been higher: win, and we advance to the medal rounds; lose, and it’s the end of the line.”
Reflecting on the team’s dynamics, Granlund emphasized unity despite previous setbacks, including a loss to Slovakia in their opening match. “We’ve been a tight-knit group throughout this journey. Hockey can be unpredictable, and that game didn’t yield the outcome we wanted. However, there were many positives. Our goal remains clear, and there’s no confusion within the team.”
As for the media scrutiny and public interest, Granlund remains unfazed. “Everyone has their opinions, and it’s great to see hockey capturing people’s attention in Finland. It’s a testament to the sport and its significance in our culture.”
Tuesday’s Training Lineup
The Lions showcased their potential in practice with the following lines:
- Mikael Granlund–Roope Hintz–Mikko Rantanen
- Artturi Lehkonen–Sebastian Aho–Teuvo Teräväinen
- Eetu Luostarinen–Anton Lundell–Kaapo Kakko
- Eeli Tolvanen–Erik Haula–Joel Armia
Defensive Pairings:
- Esa Lindell–Miro Heiskanen
- Niko Mikkola–Rasmus Ristolainen
- Olli Määttä–Nikolas Matinpalo
- Henri Jokiharju–Mikko Lehtonen
As the Lions gear up for their crucial quarterfinal clash, all eyes will be on them to deliver the performance that could secure their path to Olympic medals.