This is the important thing. Watch this on repeat:
Roni Hirvonen’s last-minute heroics send 🇫🇮 through to the #WorldJuniors semifinals pic.twitter.com/aRRyzAtZJt
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) January 2, 2021
Hirvonen saved it for when it matters and got his first goal of the tournament in the dying seconds of a tied quarterfinal. After giving up two in the first Sweden-dominated period, the Finns had one goal reversed on an offside challenge, but otherwise owned the ice in this game. The shots were 31 to 24 for Finland.
Finland advances to the semis and Sweden goes home.
In earlier action, the Russians defeated the Germans as expected to move on as well.
All six Maple Leafs prospects will advance, although only five will play (we hope) as Artur Akhtyamov will be the backup again.
Other fun things from today:
Topi Niemelä (@MapleLeafs) with the reverse hit in the neutral zone.
— EP Rinkside (@EPRinkside) January 2, 2021
(📹: @TSN_Sports)#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/6cytetS69j
Okay, not as fun:
Vasili Podkolzin (@Canucks) steals the puck and sets Rodion Amirov (@MapleLeafs) up with a yawning cage, but no dice.
— EP Rinkside (@EPRinkside) January 2, 2021
(📹: @TSN_Sports)#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/rCoCHIWdJk
If Canada and the USA win their quarterfinals as expected, then Russia faces Canada and Finland takes on the USA on Monday. Games are at 6 pm and 9:30 pm Toronto time. Canada - Russia is the earlier game.
