Finland: done....and now, come on USA!

Canada and Finland play tonight at Bell Centre one of the most classic clash at the WJC: thw two teams have a long history dating back in 1976 when WJC wasn’t already recognized by IIHF. Along the years for 33th time, almost in every edition of WJC, Canada and Finland dueled: 33 victories for Canada, 6 draws and 7 Finnish successes, the last one in Malmo, 12 months ago, an open wound for Canada, trashed 5-1 in semi-final by the future champion. Several players from those rosters, including tonight starting goalies Zach Fucale and Juuse Saros, are again on ice, one year later, to repeat or avenge that game. Unfortunately the Bell Centre has still many empty seats, but the atmosphere at the entrance of players is thrilling.

Fans are still celebrating the start of the game and Canada has the first big chance with Anthony Duclair, stopped by Saros and in counter-attack Atte Makinen test the Zach Fucale reflexes. The game is nice with chances from both sides. Canada opens the score at 05:32 in the first power play (out Atte Makinen): the shot from the blue by Shea Theodore is deflected on the post by Saros, Sam Reinhart is well positioned and scores while the arena erupting. Finland immediately reacts and finally Fucale has some work in rebounding shots, while Canada has  a big chance with Nic Petan, stopped by Saros. At the end of the period Canada kills a Finish power play and some tough charges inflame the arena.

Finland starts better the second period with a improved level of playing; Canada is more wait even if produces the two best chances in the first minutes, both with Nick Paul, stopped twice by Saros. After the minute 5 Canada overturns the trend and produces three chances with Curtis Lazar – Saros saves – Nic Petan – the Finnish post rings – and Connor McDavid – a shot on Saros body. Finland survives a power play creating a chance with Kasperi Kapanen saved by Fucale. Canada doubles the score at 33:34: the timing of Sam Reinhart is perfect getting in the Finnish defense to deflect a pass from Duclair with no chances for Saros. Canada gives oxygen to Finland at when Samuel Morin lost the puck alone in his defense, allowing Artturi Lekhonen scoring the first goal suffered by Canada in the tournament at 38:26.

Finland has a crucial power play untapped after 10 minutes in the last period; game remains battled mainly because Finland doesn’t give up, even after the third Canadian goal, scored by Anthony Duclair tapping in the puck after a great save by Saros on Max Domi. At 54 Madison Bowsey sees his shot miraculously rebounding by Saros before Curtis Lazar scores fourth goal in the same action ending up a not perfect save by Saros on a Josh Morrisey long range shot. Nick Ritchie misses a good chance before the final horn for the joy of Bell Centre. A good game, the best so far here in Montreal, with a final score perhaps punishing too harshly Finland.

Canada third goal, scored by Anthony Duclair

In the mixed zone captain Curtis Lazar is pleased with the victory and the performance: “This wasn’t an easy game, we know this, but guys really played well and I think we deserve to win. We feel the pressure growing up, on the one hand this is positive because forces us to stay concentrate”

“Now it’s the time to see how this team has character, Russia or Sweden doesn’t matter, both are tough opponents, but firstly we can prove to ourselves we are a good team” said Finland captain Artturi Lekhonen

"When we use speed and when we use skill, as we did tonight, we are a team very hard to beat" commented a satisfied Benoit Groulx

MVP: Sam Reinhart – Artturi Lekhonen

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