I had an interesting discussion with a Finnish friend of mine after the game. Sometimes having dominant players in European leagues might be more effective than depth options in NHL. The latter are used to not having time, having to rush decisions, and play a simple game. Even though they might be better than most players in other leagues, their instincts are simplified. Meanwhile, the top players in other leagues are used to carry their own every time they are on the ice. I think you can see that in Team Finland. Their players are comfortable with their skill, they don't panic when put in a difficult position. They showed amazing patience.
Watching someone like Hakanpää showing tons of patience under pressure, creating space for himself and making a way-winning play afterwards is just amazing. He's probably a worse defender than someone like Pettersson, but he actually utilize his skill set. Having a team full of that might still be short of gamebreaking talent, but the overall play might be good enough to go far. And deserve it too.
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