(Photo: The Canadian Press)Canada fought back today to come from behind and beat Finland in regulation time, 5-3 the final score. Canada had a good opening five minutes but after that the rest of the first period belonged to Finland as they outshot Canada 15-4. Canada was really undisciplined particularly in the first period, as they went down 2-0 and gave up a power play goal. Canada continued to take penalties early in the second period, giving up another power play goal as Alexander Burrows, who returned to the lineup after being out for the last week, put Canada on the board just under 5 minutes in. The power play goal for Finland came just 2 minutes after the Burrows goal and gave Finland another two goal lead at that point. Canada would score two goals later in the period, from Jeff Skinner and John Tavares, which came 3:47 apart. Evander Kane would score the eventual game winner off a nice pass from Corey Perry just over six minutes into the third; Jordan Eberle would tap in an empty net goal in the final minute to seal the victory for Canada.
Discipline, Discipline, Discipline
Canada’s biggest problem particularly early on was their discipline. The majority of the penalties Canada was taking were retaliatory in nature and it cost them twice, with Finland getting two power play goals in the game. Though the officiating was somewhat questionable at times, Finland only had two penalties called on them when there should have definitely been more, the fault primarily lies with Canada. The turning point for Canada actually came on the penalty kill in the second period and seemed to give Canada new life from that point on. Canada only took one penalty after that kill and that was in the third period just after they took their first (and only) lead of the game.
Notes:
Shots in the first period were 15-4 for Finland. Ryan Murray was scratched for Canada after the arrival of defenceman Kris Russell, who picked up an assist 24 hours after arriving in. Canada wraps up the round robin with games against Kazakhstan (Saturday) and Belarus (Tuesday). Announced attendance was 13,059. Canada had 4 unanswered goals. Tavares has tied Ryan Smyth at 7th all-time in Team Canada scoring (15). Canada’s roster is now full with the arrival of Kris Russell. Antti Pihlstrom, Mikko Koivu and Jussi Jokinen scored for Finland. Dion Phaneuf still seems to struggle at times adjusting to the bigger ice. Finland allowed more goals in this game then they had the entire tournament up to today. Canada was outshot 38-26.
Jussi Jokinen player of the game for Finland
Evander Kane player of the game for Canada
