Juha Hiitelä again helped out the Caniacs by interviewing Oskar Osala. I am particularly pleased to read that Osala is putting emphasis on the hitting part of his game.  He has far more skills than just being a hitter; but if he can take some of the load off of Ruutu in that department, it would really help the Hurricanes next season.  Here is Juha Hiitelä's interview of Osala. 

OSKAR OSALA INTERVIEW

(about Slovakia game) – It was nice that team could score some goals. 

First period was Slovaks, but we controlled rest of the game. Slovaks kept the puck in the first, but they couldn't get good scoring chances. We took to game and scored enough goals. That was nice.

(Not playing well in the first) – In last few games we've been good at first period. Slovakia was hungry. We have to keep making things better and be better right in the beginning. We played well defensively and didn't make anything stupid.

(about Slovakia) – I haven't played against them before in men's level, but you could see that there's North American coaches. Their defenders tried to pinch our wingers and I had problem with that couple of times. I think thats not usual for Slovaks.

(Osala's line scored goal) – I was great to be on ice. Game was tight at that moment, so it felt very nice.

(about Russia) – It's going to be a tough game. It's hard to control puck against them, so we'll probably have to play very defensively and score some goals in power play. That's our secret weapon! We have to play smart five on five and our goalie will take care of the rest.

(about Oskar Osala giving big hits against Russians) – That's my thing. If I can't do that, I won't be effective. I try to hit as much as possible even though it's difficult on big ice. Russians are very quick, so we have to play smart.