Finns win easily, secure 2nd place at Channel One Cup
The last game of the Euro Hockey Tour's Channel One Cup was a renewal of the Scandinavian derby between Finland and Sweden, with both teams chasing second place in the tournament.
1st period
The first period was Sweden worst period in the whole tournament. No speed, no intensity, no forechecking. Sweden had one good chance when Ericsson missed open goal. Finland on the other hand got three power play but couldn’t score. They won the 50/50 pucks all over the ice and outnumber Sweden on so many levels. But the score after first is 0-0.
2nd period
Finland got a very good start and Pesonen had a chance after only 20 sec. Sweden looked surprised and acted very anxiously. Finland gets a 2vs1 chance after 2 min and Jormakka missed his slap shot. In the same minute Sweden comes free against Mikko Koskinen, Engqvist seeks the fifth hole but without any luck. But Engqvist should score just a minute later by pass from Klingberg in defensive zone up through the middle and this time Engqvist put it in the net. Sweden plays much better now with speed and intensity. Finland replicates quickly with a lot traffic in front of Karlsson and a bouncing puck, Finland scored 1-1 through Jere Sallinen.
Sweden dominate the second periods first 10 min. But despite this, Finland takes the lead when Swedish defenders makes a mistake. Sweden try to create some good chances right after Finland's 2-1 goal but couldn't manage to score. The period ends 2-1.
3rd period
Finland creates a good chance after 1.30 when they got a 3vs1 but Swedish goalkeeper Karlsson came out big and saves. Sweden didn't create much and Finland controls the game easy. Sweden gets a penalty as a result of them being tiered and always second man on the puck. In box play Engqvist puts pressure on the puck when Sweden dumps it and Koskinen misses to clear. Engqvist snaps the puck and can score his second of the day in empty net. Finland's Mäenpää gets sent of the ice because of unsportsmanlike behavior and Finland will finish the game with only 5 defenders. This is Sweden's chance to even things up but they couldn't. Finland controls the game and time is ticking very fast for Sweden. With 2 min left Sweden pulls their goalie and go all in but Finland can score 4-2 in empty net and secure the second place in Channel One Cup, sweden finish last.