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What a way to start off the tournament! Emotions, altercations, and big hits, that describes the game between Russia and Finland from which the Russians came victorious after two empty-netters and secured a 5-2 win to grab their first three points. One of the two Finnish scorers Joakim Kemell summarized the high-paced match.
Joakim, a very tough loss for you in the first game. Was there something positive in your game, something you can bounce from?
We played very good as a team but we must be better tomorrow.
The Russians played with a lot of grit and layed a lot of big hits. Is this something you have to work on going into next games – be more sturdy and prepared for the hits?
Yes, we have to play harder, we especially have to play for the team – block shots, give it everything.
Is it better for you to play arguably the strongest team at the tournament in the very first game or would you prefer to play them later on in the group stage so you can build up your pace?
Personally, I would prefer to play them later now. It is obvious now that we have to build up our pace and score more.
You conceded two goals while short-handed and, on the other hand, did not score on your 5-on-3 power-play. Do you think that was the difference today?
It was just a bad day today...
You personally had a pretty major 1-on-1 altercation in the second period. Can you walk us through what happened?
I just wanted to help my teammates.
Thank you for your time.