As expected, Seattle Kraken forward Kaapo Kakko was added to the Team Finland line-up on Saturday against rival Sweden, and the big 24-year-old winger picked up an assist in his country’s 4-3 overtime victory.
The game tying goal in the 2nd period was almost his, but after hitting his stick, the puck deflected off the twig of Finland captain Aleksander Barkov for the goal.
Later, Kakko had a glorious chance to put his team ahead from in close near the left post with four minutes remaining in regulation. The shot went wide.
All told, Kakko skated 13:13 and ended up with two shots on goal. He ended up playing the 3rd period on a top line with Barkov and Mikko Rantanen.
Expect to see him back in the line-up against Canada on Monday as the Four Nations Face-off moves to Boston.
Two of the three potential changes we described here on Friday for Finland came to fruition. Aside from Kakko’s insertion, Canucks goalie Kevin Lankinen replaced Juuse Saros as the country’s starter. Lankinen made 21 saves in the victory. Dallas Stars forward Mikael Granlund scored the OT winner.
Utah Hockey Club defenseman Juuso Valimaki remained a scratch.
