Jamie 'Noodles' McLennan, a Canadian hockey expert, shared his insights on the playing style of the Finnish national hockey team, referring to Finnish players as 'rats' during a segment on TSN. He explained that Finnish players excel at getting under their opponents' skin, demonstrating their ability to frustrate and provoke rival teams. His comments come ahead of the highly anticipated semifinal match against Canada, highlighting the mental aspect of hockey in addition to physical skills.

McLennan pointed out that the Finnish team had shown strength in recent performances, notably defeating Switzerland in a tense match that ended in overtime. He contrasted Finland's aggressive tactics with the Czech Republic's style, noting that Finland possesses a unique ability to capitalize on their opponents' mistakes, especially during power plays. This strategic edge could be crucial in their upcoming game against Canada, a team known for its physical play and capable provocateurs like Tom Wilson and Brad Marchand.

As the teams prepare for the semifinal, the talk around the Finnish 'rat' mentality suggests a psychological battle will play a key role in the match. McLennan's respect for this aspect of Finnish hockey reflects a wider recognition of their tactical capabilities and resilience, suggesting that they are not just formidable on the ice, but also adept at manipulating the dynamics of competition to their advantage.