Olympic Hockey: Finland, Sneaking up on the world

In the Finnish language, their country is called "Suomi."

It seems that in every Olympic hockey tournament, they're right up there in medal contention, competing with the big boys for Olympic hockey supremacy, and, predictably, they get defeated by either Russia or the Czech Republic.

They had high hopes for their Olympic team.

Those hopes were set back when Saiku Koivu, captain of the Montreal Canadiens and possible captain of Team Finland, was diagnosed with cancer.

Not as well known as the Russian team or even their Scandinavian counterparts, Sweden, the Finns do have some NHL players who can find their way to the net, even in the dark.

Teemu Selanne, San Jose Sharks

He's called the "Finnish Flash," not because of his skating ability, but because of those fast racing cars he loves to drive in Helsinki and in California.

Mikko Eloranta, Los Angeles Kings

He is in his first season with the Kings after being traded from the Boston Bruins.

Janne Niinimaa, Edmonton Oilers

He represented Finland in the 1998 Olympics. Selanne isn't the only Finnish player who can be called, the "Finnish Flash."

Teppo Numminen, Phoenix Coyotes

He's been a fixture in "the Valley of the Sun" with the Coyotes. He was even in Winnepeg when the Coyotes were the Winnepeg Jets.

Jere Lehtinen, Dallas Stars

He was an Olympic standout for Finland in 1994 and 1998. He also won a Stanley Cup with Dallas in 1999.

Sami Kapanen, Carolina Hurricanes

He's been with the 'Canes since they were in Hartford as the Whalers. He also played on Finland's Olympic team in 1994 and 1998.

The Finns aren't as well known as the other Olympic teams, but they always seem to get into a medal round in spite of it.