Finland advances to world junior semifinals with thrilling 3-2 win over Sweden

Earlier Saturday, Russia edged Germany 2-1 to advance to the semifinals.

Saturday’s other semifinals saw host Canada face the Czech Republic and the United States meet Slovakia.

Raymond opened the scoring at 14:28 f the first period, and then set up Soderblom’s goal less than two minutes later.

Nikkanen drew Finland within one with the only goal of the second period.

Lundell took advantage of a late Swedish penalty and scored his fourth goal of the tournament to tie the game 2-2 with just under nine minutes remaining.

Hirvonen completed Finland’s comeback, tucking the puck in from behind the Swedish goal with time running out.

Earlier, Russia overcame a determined German team to advance to the semifinals.

Vasili Ponomaryov and Danil Bashkirov scored for Russia, while goaltender Yaroslav Askarov made 18 saves.

Florian Elias scored his fourth goal and picked up his ninth point for Germany. Florian Bugl made 25 saves. Germany had a potentially game-tying shot go of the crossbar of the Russian goal in the third period.

Elias’s linemates Tim Stuetzle and John Peterka finished the tournament with 10 points each. Stuetzle, drafted third overall in the 2020 draft by Ottawa, is expected in the Senators camp when it opens Sunday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 2, 2021.

The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

Finland advances to world junior semifinals with thrilling 3-2 win over Sweden

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