Anssi Salemela Helps Lead Finland to 4-1 Victory Over Czech Republic

Finland 4 – Czech Rep 1 : Three-Goal Third For Finns
Goironpigs.com

Three unanswered goals in the third period carried the day for FINLAND in the 4-1 victory over the CZECH REPUBLIC at the LG Hockey Games tournament from the Globe Arena in Stockholm, Sweden.

The Czechs took an early lead five and a half minutes into the match via Columbus Blue Jackets forward JAKUB VORACEK but the Finns answered with just under seven minutes to go in the second period with a goal from 20-year-old junior international TEEMU HARTIKAINEN of Kalpa Kuopio, a sixth round selection of the Edmonton Oilers (2008, # 163 overall).

New Jersey Devils defenseman ANSSI SALMELA fired Finland to the lead 7:12 into the final period.

Florida Panthers goaltender TOMAS VOKOUN (25 saves) absorbed the loss for the Czech Republic while Tappara Tampere’s 20-year-old HARRI SATERI (22 saves) was successful for Finland.

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Salmela and Devils To Wear Red and Green on St. Patricks Day

Devils wear green pants and red helmets during optional practice
Richard Chere The Star Ledger March 16, 2010

A small group of Devils players practiced Tuesday and wore the original color pants, socks and helmets that the team will wear in Wednesday night's game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Those players who took part in the optional workout wore green pants, red helmets and red, green and white striped socks. They wore either red or black practice jerseys and not the sweaters that will be used in the game.

Although some, including Patrik Elias, commented that the original colors make the Devils look like a Russian team or Belarus, the uniforms look great. With the original jerseys they will look even better Wednesday night.

Paul Martin, Andrew Peters, Anssi Salmela, Martin Skoula, Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond, Yann Danis, Mark Fraser and Vladimir Zharkov were the only players to take part.

Additional Reading: http://www.nj.com/devils/index.ssf/2010/03/devils_wear_green_pants_and_re.html

Jay Pandolfo, Anssi Salmela back in for Devils; Mark Fraser will sit

Richard Chere The Star Ledger March 12, 2010

Pandolfo will replace Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond up front while Anssi Salmela takes rookie Mark Fraser's spot on defense.

Additional Reading: http://www.nj.com/devils/index.ssf/2010/03/jay_pandolfo_anssi_salmela_bac.html

Anssi Salmela and Devils D Hope to Shut Down Penguins Crosby

Devs eye shutting down Crosby, Pens
Mark Everson The New York Post March 12, 2010

That defense, widely regarded as the team's weak link, will be tested again tonight when Olympic champ Sidney Crosby and the Stanley Cup champion Penguins visit Newark, seeking their first victory in five tries against the Devils this season....

Colin White, Bryce Salvador, Andy Greene, Mike Mottau, Anssi Salmela, Mark Fraser and deadline acquisition Martin Skoula are Lou Lamoriello's final product this season, until Paul Martin finally returns from his broken arm in another 7-10 days.

"They can [win a Cup], but they will have to play at their best. They'll have to compensate in other ways for what they can't do," Lemaire said of his defense....

Yet something cumulative is going on, they say, the sum being greater than the parts.

"Individually, we're not going to 'Wow' anyone, but there's an intangible we have," said Mottau, determinedly soldiering on, manning the more difficult and thankless right side Lamoriello failed to fill and no one else wants, enduring the painful criticism that comes.

Additional Reading: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/devils/ready_for_test_Psa5xHGTGKuA83JG7XJwvM

Anssi Salmela Back and Ready To Go

Richard Chere The New Jersey Star Ledger 2-13-2010

"The Devils will get defenseman Anssi Salmela back after he missed two games with a concussion. Salmela was knocked unconscious by a hit from Flyers forward Jeff Carter last Monday.

Salmela said there was no definitive evidence that he suffered a concussion, althought it is likely he did.

"There was nothing on the pictures," he said, "but I was kind of out for a while. It was nothing major. I'm not concerned."

To read Richard's full piece, please visit this link.

NJ Devils defenseman Anssi Salmela, knocked unconscious, can't remember goal

Best of luck and speedy recovery to Anssi Salmela who suffered a concussion after scoring a short handed goal 60 seconds into the second period during the Sunday game between the Devils and the Philadelphia Flyers. After the game Salmela was able to speak to reporters, but was some what disoriented.

To read more about about Anssi Salmela, please follow this link.

Anssi Salmela knew he'd be back with NJ Devils some day

It wasn't too long ago that defensemen Anssi Salmela was wearing black and red, but even when he was traded to Atlanta in March of last year, Salmela had a feeling he would be back to the Garden State. Yesterday Salmela was part of the mega trade that brought Ilya Kovalchuk to New Jersey, a surprise for some, but not for Salmela. Always believing he had a chance to return, Salmela reiterated that, "[The Devils] organization likes to bring a lot of guys back. I played a bit here last time and I think everything went good." Devils coach Jacques Lemaire was also positive about Salmela's return stating, "I think [Anssi is] going to fit well. He's a mobile defenseman, has a decent shot, can move the puck and has that offensive ability that he could bring on at different times, which we need. Obviously."

Anssi Salmela Brings New Dimension To Devils

Defensemen Anssi Salmela was part of tonight's mega trade between the Atlanta Thrashers and New Jersey Devils, and while the talk may reside on prized winger Ilya Kovalchuk, Salmela's strong offensive play will bring a new dimension to the New Jersey Devils. Salmela, 25, had a goal and four assists in 29 games this season for Atlanta. The Finn was acquired by the Thrashers from the Devils in exchange for defenseman Niclas Havelid and forward Myles Stoesz on March 2, 2009.