The high-powered Finns were confident ahead of their semifinal game following a big 6-5 win over Team Canada.
"Of course we're going to beat them," Finnish draft eligible star forward Patrik Laine told TSN's Mark Masters ahead of their matchup against Sweden.
But it was the undefeated Swedes, led by Dmytro Timashov, who would silence the crowd and open the scoring, finding draft eligible prospect Rasmus Asplund on a cross-crease tap-in midway through the first period.
Timashov sets up Asplund, 1-0 Sweden pic.twitter.com/BdEGIOhbwe
— Stephanie (@myregularface) January 4, 2016
After a late period Swedish powerplay went scoreless, Finland trailed 1-0 heading into the second period.
In the second period, after two penalties to Los Angeles Kings prospect Adrian Kempe, Team Finland was given one too many powerplays.
Riding some momentum at the end of the second powerplay, Stars prospect Roope Hintz slid behind the Swedish defence to redirect a pass past Linus Soderstrom.
Then, after a hit to head penalty to Anton Karlsson, Finland was in full control with the game tied.
On that powerplay, Kasperi Kapanen cycled the puck behind the net to Avalanche prospect Mikko Rantanen, who found Antti Kalapudas for the 2-1 lead.
A quiet third period saw a handful of chances go the Finns' way, with Puljujarvi failing to convert on a 2-on-1 with under five minutes to go as Sweden continued to struggle to generate offence, outshot 6-3 midway through the frame.
And after a cycle shift from Rantanen and Kapanen, Swedish captain Andreas Englund put his team on the penalty kill and in need of a shorthanded goal with 2:53 left in the game.
Despite killing the penalty and pulling the goalie shortly after, Sweden was unable to tie the game with Timashov on late.
With the 2-1 win, Finland will play for gold on home ice, while Sweden will be forced to play for bronze.
Kapanen Notes
- Kapanen made one nice play to get the puck to Rantanen through the neutral zone that led to a shot on goal and was active on a late first period penalty kill that stymied Sweden. One of two players who missed Asplund backdoor on the first goal.
- Broke up extended pressure early in the first period by Sweden by picking off a cross-ice pass from Timashov to Asplund. Curled and made two nice passes in the offensive zone on the powerplay. Carried the puck into the offensive zone for a shot on goal at even strength. Took over the wall on the first power play unit after a quiet first period and a half from Puljujarvi and Laine. Picked up secondary assists on the 2-1 goal after finding Mikko Rantanen behind the net and on the game-tying goal from Roope Hintz. Dangerous all period, also hit the post on the second powerplay.
- Got a scoring chance in the high slot after a Swedish turnover. Skated well throughout the period -- active. Good cycle shift that led to the late powerplay that sealed the win. Nearly took a delay of game penalty in final seconds when he flipped the puck into the bench.
Timashov Notes
- Was Sweden's best forward in the first period, registered three shots on goal by curling at or towards the offensive zone blueline and into the high slot. Led a beautiful rush down the wing, curled away from his checker, and found Asplund through traffic for a beautiful primary assist on the opening goal. Turned the puck over trying to carry it out of the defensive zone late in the first period, resulting in a Finnish chance.
- Beautiful end-to-end zone entry on first shift of the second period before circling the zone for give-and-go plays and some extended pressure. Turned the puck over on an offensive zone entry on a Sweden power play, resulting in a defensive zone draw down the ice.
- Started the third period as he did the second: applying offensive zone pressure on an extended cycle. Out-muscled 6-3 Jesse Puljujarvi in a puck battle along the boards to setup another cycle. Turned over the puck twice on a late shift by bobbling it. Provided a screen for a last minute chance.
