Olympics: Finland Bounces Back With 4-1 Win Over Sweden

After a loss to Slovakia, Finland certainly had a chip on their shoulder. What better way to make a bid for revenge than to play their rival, Sweden? Sweden and Finland are amongst the tournament’s best rosters, including multiple full lines of NHL talent.

Yet again, it was Sweden controlling most of the play; they outshot the Finnish team 35-24 by the end of the game, where sharp goaltending yet again proved to be a thorn in the side of the Swedes. For a team that has scratched Filip Forsberg in favour of Alex Wennberg and Pontus Holmberg for two straight games now, Sweden certainly got what they were asking for when it came to offensive woes. Don’t be shocked if there is a roster change next game that looks to get Forsberg into the Swedish lineup.

Scoring Summary:

1st Period:

FIN GOAL: Nikolas Matinpalo (1), A: Kaapo Kaako (1), Olli Maatta (1)

FIN GOAL: Anton Lundell (1), A: Eetu Luostarinen (1)

2nd Period

SWE GOAL: Rasmus Dahlin (1), A: William Nylander (1), Lucas Raymond (1)

FIN GOAL: Joel Armia (1), A: Erik Haula (1)

3rd Period

FIN GOAL: Mikko Rantanen (1), A: Mikael Granlund (1)

Notable Performers:

Finland had a few standout performances on both ends of the ice. Notably, of course, was goaltender Juuse Saros, who stayed solid on 34 of 35 shots, a good bounce-back game from the loss against Slovakia. Saros had his work cut out for him as the Swedish power play would have six chances to convert, and Saros only let in one.

Florida Panthers forward Anton Lundell had a fantastic two-way game. He would score the game-winning goal as well as drag the puck off the goal line to keep Finland out in front. Lundell was also a part of the aforementioned penalty kill unit that held up so well against a very good Swedish unit. Dallas Stars forward Esa Lindell also looked good, although he didn’t record any points. Lindell was able to consistently generate offence, grabbing four shots in the win.

Buffalo’s Rasmus Dahlin continues a great tournament for the Swede, notching his fourth point and first goal in just his second game. Detroit’s Lucas Raymond would record his first point at the Olympics, and William Nylander would record his first assist. Sweden’s forward group looked dangerous again at times; however, scratching a guy who is as good as Forsberg in a game like this is something the coaching staff might live to regret.

The goaltending for the Swedes continues to be average at best. Filip Gustavsson let in three goals on twenty-four shots this game after letting in two goals on the first four shots against Italy. Despite it being a short tournament and having to trust your players, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a goalie change going into the next game for the Swedish team.

The pressure is on for Sweden big time. If they lose to Slovakia, Slovakia will clinch the top of the group, and Finland is likely to clean up against Italy, getting the second spot. Meaning the heavily favoured Swedes would fall to third in their group.

Sweden takes on Slovakia tomorrow at 6:10 am, while Finland will face Italy at 10:40 am.

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