Finland: Bigger role for Koivisto

More player notes from games around Finland this past week.

Antti Jokela Lukko, G

Has played some games early in SM-liiga after not seeing much action last season .. allowed two goals during Lukko's game against Karpat .. did not face a lot of shots .. the goal posts saved him three times .. made some good basic saves .. will get more chances to show what he can really do.

Jussi Jokinen Karpat, W

Played on the first line for Karpat, which was clearly the team’s best unit .. was able to make some good plays .. rarely gave the puck away .. seems to lack some of the speed that he has shown in previous seasons .. has the capacity to play much better than he did tonight.

Toni Koivisto Lukko, W

Is taking a bigger role in Lukko (SM-liiga) after a disappointing season in `02-3 .. consistently used his great speed to create chances tonight .. is able to control the puck at full speed .. could drive to the net better .. has to work on improving his finishing skills .. has to focus on sustaining the intensity of his game for a full 60 minutes.

Arsi Piispanen Jokerit, C

Centered Finland's under-20 first line during a recent exhibition game .. looks like he has bulked up a bit this season .. can finish some checks .. still lacks some acceleration .. sees his linemates and made some nice plays tonight .. was not always fast enough to get to scoring chances, however.

Mikko Kalteva Jokerit, D

Played for Finland's under-20 team .. was used on the second pairing .. is getting back to action after sustaining an injury during preseason .. used his size quite well in his own end .. still can't do much with the puck when the pace of the game picks up .. his skating was just ‘ok’ in this game, nothing special.