Another Rinne shutout keeps Finland in Top Four

Needless to say, Slovenia presented with a sympathetic performance in the game against a stronger rival. Instead of concentrating on defensive tasks, Slovenians kept trying to make the play and score some goals.

Gone are the times when Finland beat Slovenia 12-0 (2003). Still, there is some gap between level of skills of both teams and the final result 4-0 demonstratest it for itself. Namely, the list of goal-scorers was formated by two Finnish players with Russian origins, Leo Komarov and Aleksander Barkov and the other goals went to true Finns, Petri Kontiola and Joonas Kemppainen.

The very first one was achieved in the end of the sixth minute by Leo Komarov by wristshot from a turnaroud. The next one just 31 seconds later, when Slovenian forward Rok Ticar deflected a slapshot of Sami Lepisto, but just for Kontiola who finished the action.

A little more than one minute was played out of the second period when Finns put their hands in the air again. Gasper Kroselj, Slovenian goalkeeper, kicked out an attempt from a short distance by Joonas Donskoi, but was unable to cover a shot from Barkov, who skated to the scene from the second wave.

And the last goal by Finland came in a powerplay. Tuomo Ruutu finds Kemppainen free of guards in front of uncovered back post and offered him an easy position to achieve from.

This means a third-consecutive shutout for Finland`s Pekka Rinne who is very reliable after the four goals during the opening night against USA. It is also a merit of his that thanks to the victory 4-0, Suomi joins the two other clubs - Russia and USA - in TOP 4 while having nine points, just a step behind Belarus (10p).

Slovenia now remains the only club in the tournament with no points earned yet, in the last position in Group B. expecting mainly further games against Norway and Denmark which will decide who of the three is going to be relegated this year.

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