The Philadelphia Flyers are set to send several players to the 2024 Winter Olympic Games in Milan. Four Flyers are set to represent their home countries. The biggest name in this group is defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen. The 31-year-old is set to make his Olympic debut and appear in his first international tournament since the World Cup of Hockey back in 2016.
Ristolainen is set to join a rather talented defensive core for Finland. He will play alongside the likes of Miro Heiskanen, Nikko Mikkola, and Olli Maatta. This group is set to be one of the team’s strengths. If the defensive core can play up to expectations, it could be what helps propel the team into medal contention. But how will Finland utilize Ristolainen, and will his game translate to the international game?
Rasmus Ristolainen is set to bring a physical edge to Team Finland
Just a few weeks ago, it was no guarantee that Ristolainen would be able to participate in the Olympics. Last March, he underwent surgery to repair a rupture of the right triceps tendon. This injury caused him to miss the rest of last season and the first few months of this one. He did not make his season debut until December 16th against the Canadiens. The next couple of weeks will serve as a ramp-up period for him.
Since then, Ristolainen has not missed a beat upon his return. In the ten games he’s appeared in, he has tallied two assists. He also blocked 21 shots, delivered 14 hits, and forced two takeaways. The injury has not affected his willingness to be physical or to produce offensively. The only area that may be affected is his shot. According to NHL Edge, his shot speed is down about three mph from last year. While it’s a bit concerning, it still ranks in the 74th percentile and is about five mph faster than the average shot.
Ristolainen’s physical style will be a significant advantage for the Finnish team. While Olympic hockey does not place the same emphasis on physicality as the NHL, it can be used to a team’s advantage. Laying out big hits or getting physical can create turnovers and scoring opportunities. This gives Finland a better chance at winning games. It also provides someone to counter the more aggressive Teams like the USA, who have become known for their physical playstyle.
As mentioned before, Finland is one of the most talented teams heading into the Olympics. With the amount of star NHL players they have, they should be contending for a medal. However, if Ristolainen continues his strong play and helps them gain that edge, we could see them go from contenders to favorites to win the Gold Medal.
Team Finland should be thrilled that Ristolainen returned when he did. Having him in the lineup makes them more dynamic and an all-around better team. If Finland goes on a run, Ristolainen will be a big reason why.