Niko Kapanen on IIHF World Championship
On monday April 26th I saw match Finland against Ukraine. I was watching Niko Kapanen in action and here are my notes.
Niko played as a center in second line with old friends Timo Pärssinen and Jukka Hentunen. He played at all powerplays as a center and twice as a right wing in Olli Jokinens‘ line. Once he also played shorthanded.
He had 22 shifts, 8 in the first, 8 in the second and 6 in the third period. He had 2 shots, one in the first and one in the third period. This shot in the last period was a goal. This was a backhand shot between the goalies‘ pads. He was left alone and had plenty of time.
When shorthanded he blocked one shoot. In two fast breakaways he passed very well and made up two good scoring chances.
Niko took 11 faceoffs (6 wins – 54%), he was moving very well, his stickhandling was very good, he was passing very well and was very good defensively. Poor play along the boards and he never went to the net.
