Despite 74 saves by Noora Raty Finland was unable to duplicate their Friday success over Sweden as Canada picked apart the Finish offensive from the start. Limiting Finland to just 16 shots on Charline Labonte, Canada held the zone offensively for the vast majority of play out shooting the Fins 78-16 in the contest.
Haley Wickenheiser asserted her physical ability before either team could gain an offensive taking a roughing penalty. Midway through the frame Rebecca Johnston got Canada on the board with her third goal of the tournament. Finland, undeterred by the score responded just over a minute later when Michelle Karvinen put her team on the scoreboard tying the game. After trading penalties Marie-Phillip Poulin took a pass from Caroline Ouellette to give Canada a 2-1 lead with 56 seconds left in the first period.
After a scoreless second period that saw Canada pour on the shots and Raty stop them all, Canada broke away in the final frame. Jayna Hefford's goal at 43 seconds of the third allowed Canada a two goal cushion and Canada never looked back. A short handed tally by Wickenheiser at the 8:18 mark was little more than a moot point giving Canada a three goal edge and icing the contest.
With the victory Canada advances to the Championship game and a likely date with the United States on Monday. The USA plays their semifinal game with Russia later on today here in Zurich. Finland, after bouncing back from an overtime loss to Switzerland will have to settle for a shot at the Bronze on Monday.
Box Score (IIHF)
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