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Opinion: Injured Patrik Laine Should Still Be A Lock To Play For Finland At 4 Nations Face-Off

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Patrik Laine Eric Bolte-Imagn Images It’s been a tough start to the season for the Montreal Canadiens and first-year Habs right winger Patrik Laine, who’s recovering from a knee injury suffered in the pre-season. However, Laine now has another light at the end of the tunnel, with the prospect of playing for his native Finland at the 4 Nations Face-Off from Feb. 12 to 20. “At this point, there is another month and we’ll see where we are at, for everybody,” Finland GM Jere Lehtinen told NHL.com during the 2024 NHL Global Series games in Finland last weekend. “It’s about health and how the players look and how they are playing. When it is time, then we’ll know. Right now, we haven’t made any decisions.” The Canadiens were obviously hoping for a full season from Laine when they acquired him from the Columbus Blue Jackets this summer. But once Laine does return to action, he doesn’t have to set the NHL on fire to be named to the Finnish team for the 4 Nations Face-Off.  In fact, he should really be an automatic addition. When we put together our projected teams for the 4 Nations Face-Off this summer, we had Laine slotted in as Finland’s second-best right winger behind Colorado’s Mikko Rantanen. That ranking hasn’t changed simply because Laine is hurt.  Related: 4 Nations Face-Off: USA And Canada May Be Favorites, But Look Out For Sweden And Finland While it’s true younger Finnish players, including Rangers right winger Kaapo Kakko and Seattle right winger Eeli Tolvanen, could be in a position to take on more responsibility at the 4 Nations Face-Off, you don’t want to not include Laine just because he won’t have played as many NHL games as his colleagues this season. The Finns know exactly what Laine can do, which is score at even strength or on the power play, as well as be a playmaker and rack up assists when needed. Although he only had six goals and nine points in 18 games last year, he had 22 goals and 52 points in 55 games in 2022-23 and 26 goals and 56 points in 56 games the season before.  Patrik Laine on how he tries to remain positive mentally while recovering from his injury. pic.twitter.com/rCRL4ze556 — /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) October 10, 2024 It’s been a bumpy ride for Laine this year – and longer than that, really, as he’s dealt with injuries and worked on his mental health – but the 4 Nations Face-Off is a chance to get him back on the right track in high-stakes games. Finland will be better for his inclusion, and Laine will be better for the opportunity to play elite, meaningful hockey on an international stage. It’s a beneficial situation for both sides, and that’s why Laine should still be a lock to represent his homeland in this high-profile series.  Get the latest news and trending stories right to your inbox by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or by visiting our forum.

Hockey

The Hockey News Big Show: Will The Boston Bruins Have A New Coach By U.S. Thanksgiving?

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The time has arrived for another episode of The Hockey News Big Show with Katie Gaus, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos. Our hosts discuss and debate some of the biggest topics in the NHL and hockey right now. Here’s what they had lined up for this episode: 00:41: The Toronto Maple Leafs have the same record of 6-5-2 after 13 games as last year. What’s different? 03:38: Is Leafs coach Craig Berube forcing stars to play too far out of their comfort zone? 07:07: What’s been the main reason for the Carolina Hurricanes’ hot start? 11:00: Bill Lindsay on NHL Network said Jim Montgomery will not be the coach of the Boston Bruins by Thanksgiving. Agree or disagree? 15:02: Is Kyle Connor one of the league’s most underrated players, and will he win the Rocket Richard Trophy? 18:35: Which of the NHL’s bottom 10 teams is the most surprising squad to be on the list? 20:45: Which bottom-10 club is most likely to rebound in November? 23:40: The NCAA is expected to vote on eligibility for CHL players on Nov. 7. What could be the ripple effect on the CHL and USHL? 29:35: Are Sweden and Finland underdogs at the 4 Nations Face-Off? 34:20: Nikolaj Ehlers has 474 points in 616 games, which set an NHL record for Danish-born players. Does this solidify him as the greatest Danish-born player ever? 35:49: As the Hockey Hall of Fame inductions take place this week, who remains the biggest snub? 37:18: If Tom Brady had been a hockey star, what NHL superstar would he play like? 39:14: Finland’s GM says Patrik Laine can make the 4 Nations roster. Is this likely? The Big Show: Nov. 4, 2024 (40:52) (Don’t see the video? Click here.) Subscribe to The Hockey News Big Show on your preferred platform. Related: The Hockey News Big Show: Which NHL Teams Must Look For Trades? Related: The Wraparound: Which Direction Should The Pittsburgh Penguins Go From Here?

Asian Champions 2024 | 24x7 Sportshub
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Indian Hockey Team Beats China To Become The 5th Asian Champions.

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With a spirited 1-0 victory over the host China on Tuesday, the resolute Indian Hockey Team won their fifth Asian Champions Trophy. Indian Hockey Team At Asian Champions Trophy Final 2024: The undefeated Indian Hockey Team finished the competition with flawless dominance, winning every game they played. The champions worked hard before defeating their opponents, and Jugraj Singh, a defender, scored a rare field goal. The opening three quarters saw the Harmanpreet Singh-led Indian team struggle to penetrate the Chinese defense. In the 51st minute, Jugraj broke the tie. He gave the bronze medalists from the Paris Olympics the victory over a determined Chinese team competing in their second-ever international competition final. China has never before made it to an international competition final; in the Asian Games in 2006, they lost to Korea 1-3 and came in second place. Pakistan secured the third position in the six-team competition earlier in the day with a 5-2 victory over Korea. The Indian Hockey Team went into the match as the favorites because they had beaten China 3-0 in their league opener, but the match ended up being quite tight. Even though the former had more scoring opportunities in the first two quarters, it was a fiercely contested match between the two teams. With quick counterattacks, the Chinese worried their opponents while maintaining a strong defense. The first attempt at goal for India went to Raj Kumar Pal, but Chinese goalie Wang Weihao stopped his shot. Raj Kumar made a strong enough recovery to earn India’s first penalty corner in the tenth minute. His skillful stick work produced another set piece, but Harmanpreet, the captain, missed the mark on his second attempt. After being fed by Jugraj, Nilakanta Sharma saw a good save from Wang two minutes later. The Chinese goalie then displayed incredible reflexes to deny Sukhjeet Singh. India gave up a penalty corner only seconds before the first quarter ended, but Krishan Bahadur Pathak was vigilant in front of the goal. In the second quarter, China relied on counterattacks as India dominated possession. The script remained unchanged. China put up a masterful exhibition of deep defense, but India went for the goal. When the Indians placed pressure on the hosts, they remained composed and did not panic. Sukhjeet Singh won a penalty corner in the 27th minute, but Harmanpreet’s effort struck the crossbar, and China did just enough to keep India scoreless at the break. Following the change of ends, the deft-footed Chinese emerged with fresh energy and launched many attacks on the Indian bastion. In the 38th minute, China managed to earn their second penalty corner, but the Indian defense held strong. The Indian goalkeeper Pathak was vigilant beneath the bar as the Chinese persisted in their aggressive approach, earning back-to-back penalty corners in the 40th minute. The youthful Indian forward line, who played admirably in the competition, had several opportunities to break through the Chinese defense but was unable to reach the goal. To break the impasse, Harmanpreet had to make a stunning surge. India exhaled with relief as the in-form captain of India edged into the Chinese circle with some deft stick work and transferred the ball to teammate defender Jugraj, who pushed it in past the opposing goalkeeper. Four minutes from the gun, China pulled their goalkeeper in favor of an extra field player, buoyed by the support of the home fans, but the Indians prevailed because they controlled the ball and mounted a strong defense.

La Liga | 24x7 Sportshub
Football

Will The Football History Be Repeated With Kylian Mbappe vs. Erling Haaland battle in La Liga 2024?

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Former Barcelona great David Villa feels that a possible matchup in La Liga between Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland cannot compare to the legendary rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Villa’s remarks coincided with rumors that Barcelona was in negotiations for a potential transfer with Haaland’s representative.  After years of being connected to Real Madrid, Mbappe eventually moved from Saint-Germain (PSG) to the Bernabeu in the summer of 2024. As for Erling Haaland, he has been shattering key scoring records since leaving Borussia Dortmund to join Manchester City in the summer of 2022. In an interview with the media, David Villa discussed the possible competition between Mbappe and Haaland, saying that it would be amazing to see Erling Haaland take on Kylian Mbappe in La Liga. I hope to see Haaland here. Although I doubt they’ll be as successful as Messi and Cristiano, it would still be fantastic for the league.” The rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo peaked when they were both players for Barcelona and Real Madrid, their bitter rivals, in 2009 and 2018, respectively. Ronaldo won four trophies during this time, while the Blaugrana legend won three UEFA Champions Leagues. But Messo’s seven La Liga championships were greater than the Portuguese forward’s two league wins.  Nevertheless, throughout this period, both legends continued to be essential to their teams’ success and continue to rank as their respective clubs’ top scorers to this day.  Ronaldo moved from Real Madrid to Juventus in 2018, and the Argentina national team moved from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2021. While Messi plays for Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer, the former piles trades in Saudi Arabia at the moment. 

Carabao Cup | 24x7 Sportshub
Football

Is Manchester United Boss, Ten Hag Stressing On The 2024 Carabao Cup?

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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has highlighted the importance of the Carabao Cup. Ten Hag led United to the trophy in his first season in charge in 2022-23, and the FA Cup was added last season after finishing eighth in the Premier League and having Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos take over football operations at the club. United face League One Barnsley in the Carabao Cup third round on Tuesday, and when asked whether the bar had been raised and the club’s owners expected them to win something more substantial, Ten Hag replied: “I would say it’s significant. “The FA Cup and Carabao Cup are noteworthy. When a club, owner, or manager wins a trophy, like Liverpool did last year when they won the Carabao Cup, everyone pays notice. “I saw the final.” I witnessed all of the teams compete for it. We both want the same thing. So, in football, winning trophies is quite crucial. You have five chances, and our goal is always to win all the games, so win all the trophies if possible.” According to him: “No doubt we are aiming for a trophy, this is one opportunity, so we take it [Tuesday’s game] seriously.” United, who are presently 10th in the nascent league standings with six points from four matches, won 3-0 at Southampton on Saturday after losing 2-1 at Brighton and 3-0 at home to Liverpool. Lisandro Martinez and Noussair Mazraoui were both forced to leave the game in the second half owing to cramps, as was fellow defender Matthijs de Ligt. However, all three are eligible for selection on Tuesday, according to Ten Hag: “They are all available, and they are good.” Ten Hag also stated Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount, and Victor Lindelof were not ready for the Barnsley game as they recuperate from injuries, but did not rule them out of Saturday’s league trip to Crystal Palace, saying: “We will see how the progress continues.” The Dutchman also confirmed that Luke Shaw would not play in the cup fixture, saying of the England left-back, who has been sidelined by a calf injury: “He is progressing nicely. “Of course, we have a plan for when he’ll be ready. But you’re constantly dependent on how things proceed, and you can’t make any recommendations because there are so many circumstances that might cause a rehab plan to accelerate or slow down.” Mazraoui and De Ligt’s other summer addition, Manuel Ugarte, might earn his first United start after coming off the bench on Saturday. When Ten Hag was asked about Antony’s chances of starting after only one appearance this season – as a late substitute at Brighton – he said: “[On Tuesday] you will see what the line-up will be. “We have daily training, and the players must earn the right to play. When players do the right thing in practice, have a positive attitude, and do well in practice, they will earn the opportunity to play.”

Asian Champions Trophy Semi 2024 India Vs. South Korea LIVE | 24x7 Sportshub
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Asian Champions Trophy Semi 2024: India Vs. South Korea LIVE

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After winning five out of five games in the group stages, defending champions India will meet South Korea in the Asian Champions Trophy semifinals on Monday evening, with a spot in the final against either China or Pakistan on the line. India endured two of the competition’s toughest tests in their last two league games, but came out on top with a 3-1 win over semifinal opponents South Korea and a 2-1 triumph over arch-rivals Pakistan. Their captain, Harmanpreet Singh, has recovered his best drag-flicking form, posing a threat to India’s opponents in the knockout rounds. Harmanpreet scored his 200th international goal against Korea before scoring twice in the victory over Pakistan. The primary advantage for India in this competition has been that Harmanpreet has only scored 5 of the 21 goals scored, in stark contrast to the Paris Olympics, where he scored 10 of 15. The strikers, particularly teenagers Araijeet Singh Hundal and Uttam Singh, have made major contributions, and Raj Kumar Pal has been a valuable midfield partner. Korea’s main threat to India will be from penalty corners, where Yang Ji-Hun, the tournament’s leading scorer, excels. He currently has seven goals in the competition, including one against India in the last meeting between the two teams. The match will begin at 3:30 IST. Tune in to know the updates.

Asian Champion Trophy Hockey 2024 | 24x7Sportshub
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Malaysia Vs Japan: The Play Of Pride In Asian Champions Trophy Hockey.

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Asian Champions Trophy Hockey of today is witnessing Malaysia vs. Japan. The winner will receive a consolation prize of fifth place, while the loser will return home disappointed after placing last. Japan, the tournament’s two-time runner-up, failed to win a single match in the current edition and placed last in the pool round. They tied one match and lost four. Malaysia, on the other hand, drew two games, lost two, and won one, finishing fifth. Asian Champions Trophy 2024: Standings Japan’s Form Japan has not won any matches in the tournament. Their only success came in the tournament’s opening game, a 5-5 tie against South Korea. Malaysia’s Form Malaysia will face Japan in the fifth-place play-off in the Asian Champions Trophy Hockey 2024 on Monday in Hulunbuir. Both teams are at the bottom of the points standings following the league stage. Malaysia has only one victory in the competition, and it came against Japan. Malaysia vs. Japan LIVE Score Asian Champions Trophy Hockey 2024. Stay in for live coverage of Malaysia’s fifth-place play-off vs Japan at the Asian Champions Trophy. The game began at 10:30am IST. For more sports news and updates visit www.24x7sportshub.com.

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