Kukla's Korner Hockey

Kukla's Korner Hockey

Finland Defeats Russia In First Semi-Final Game Of The World Championsip

05/21/2016 at 11:53am EDT

from Lucas Aykroyd of IIHF.com,

It was highly reminiscent of the 2014 Olympic quarter-final between these two nations in Sochi, where the Finns also conceded an opening goal, but bounced back to oust their highly touted neighbors 3-1.

The host Russians gave a full effort at the Ice Palace, but Finland's team play was superior once again. Finland, which has a perfect record with nine straight regulation victories, will face the winner of the Canada-U.S. semi-final on Sunday night.

Jussi Jokinen had the other Finnish goal, and Sergei Shirokov tallied for Russia.

Finnish starting goalie Mikko Koskinen outdueled Russia's Sergei Bobrovksi. Shots on goal favored Russia 29-16.

Saturday's early semi-final also had overtones of the 2007 semis when Finland shocked Russia 2-1 on Mikko Koivu's overtime goal, dealing the host nation its first defeat on Moscow ice in World Championship history.

Finland has won two previous World Championships (1995, 2011). The Finns are now guaranteed their first medal since taking silver in 2014, where they lost the final to Russia.

continued

The gold medal game will be tomorrow at 1:45pm ET. Finland will play the winner of USA/Canada.

added 2:33pm, game highlights are below...

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Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.

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