Finland's Jesse Joensuu scored his second of the game with 8.8 seconds left in regulation to give them the 3-2 lead and send Team USA home empty handed. In a very close game with many chances for both teams, there were only two penalties called, both against the United States. Neither resulted in a goal, but momentum was certainly a factor throughout the game.
Joensuu scored midway through the second, but Kyle Palmieri scored 21 seconds later to even things at one. In the third, Bobby Ryan scored less than two minutes into the frame, but Finland never let up on their attack and it was almost like they were on the man advantage the rest of the game. USA couldn't clear the zone and even when they did, they couldn't get much of anything going resulting in only seven shots on goal in the final period.
With just under seven minutes remaining Mikko Koivu pushed one past Jimmy Howard as the puck deflected off his skate. It was reviewed, but the powers that be determined that there was no kicking motion and we were tied at two. Finland was carried by their home crowd who chanted "Suomi! Suomi!" thoughout the entire game and with Joensuu smack in front of the goal mouth, Petri Kontiola fed him the puck from behind the goal line and it might as well have been in overtime as it sealed the fate of Team USA.
Finland will face Russia in the semifinals on Saturday.
Post Game Notes:
- Team USA was visabily disappointed with the loss and manysopke of how frustrating the game was and that they just weren't able to get any good bounces. There was talk about deserving some power plays quickly followed by their numerous turnovers in the neutral zone, but the end result was that they had their chances to win the game and they didn't cash in.
- Team USA captain Jack Johnson said, "I've been in the game more than a few times and for whatever reason we just can't get over the hump and get to the semis. It just makes you want to come back and get it done." While I think the Columbus Blue Jackets might want him to be otherwise engaged this time of year, it just shows you that this tournament does matter to the players who participate. They are not being paid for their time and are risking injury to represent thier country in hopes of winning a medal.
- Team Finland captain Mikko Koivu said that Sunday's 5-0 loss to Team USA was a big wake up call for them. "We knew that we were better than that and we needed to come out and prove it to ourselves and the fans. There was pressure to win the game, but this is the hardest game for us mentally. Now we can just go out and play hockey."
- If you read my blog from yesterday, you'd know that Team Finland did their best to avoid the media after their practice by changing the location and time without notifying anyone until it was too late. Many said they were panicing and maybe they were, but now things are different as they're playing for a medal and are guaranteed two more games in front of their home crowd.
As of this post, Sweden and Czech Republic are tied at 1 in the first period. The winner will face Slovakia on Saturday.
Julie
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