Finland: Re-Inventing Line Changes

Finland's national hockey teams are known for their tenacious North American play despite being European. As evidenced by Leo Komarov's crease-crashing against France, they like to play an in-your-face style of game and don't back down from anyone regardless of the score. However, the Finns looked to change how the game is played in their game against the Czech Republic. Unfortunately, not for the better.

Normally, line changes happen when guys leave the ice through the door to the bench while guys going on often hop the boards. Finland, however, need some work on this.

Yikes. That was a gong show of a line change. Komarov didn't even seem to care that one of his teammates had fallen through the door entrance after mistiming that hop of the boards. Komarov just tried to get off the ice, and, in doing so, fell on top of him! And then, to make matters worse, Komarov trips the player going onto the ice!

The good news is that these exhibition games mean nothing, so this flub at the bench won't go down as a pivotal moment in a game. The 2014 IIHF World Hockey Championship starts on Friday, and it appears that Finland is almost ready!

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!