Anytime the Swedes and the Fins take the ice expect to see a physical low scoring affair. While today's game was physical, the score was lopsided as Finland took control with an early goal and never looked back. The win is a silver lining for a rebuilding Finish team that is looking to finish strong after a shaky loss in the preliminary round to host Switzerland.
Michelle Karvinen got Finland on the board with two goals in the first 6:23 of the contest. After goal number two Swedish coach Niclas Hogberg made a goaltending switch from Sara Grahn to Kim Martin. Despite the change however Finland used positioning for Annina Rajahuhta to give her team a 3-0 lead. Sweden's chances of cutting into the Fins lead was stopped when Emma Eliasson took a checking call virtually ending the period. After one period the only lead that Sweden took to the locker room was a 15-12 edge in shots.
In the second period the physicality that often is associated with these two foes shown through as Sweden tried to battle their way back into the contest taking three penalties in the first 15 minutes of the frame compared to the one call Finland took at the 12:49 mark. The third Swedish penalty was the dagger for them in this game as Jenni Asserholt was forced to watch the Fins take a 4-0 lead before the last few seconds of her cross-checking penalty could tick away. Finland despite leading 4-0 was out shot in the second period 12-11.
Box Score (IIHF)
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