Immonen’s power-play déjà vu

Norway went into the Scandinavian clash with a hope of repeating their giant-killing success from the very beginning of the tournament, when they upset Sweden 5-4. Precise defensive work dominated the opening period, with Finland being the more active team, but in their biggest chance, Juhamatti Aaltonen was denied by a post.

Norway enjoyed their best spell in the game around first intermission. Late in the first period, Lars Erik Spets’s backhand shot was well saved by Petri Vehanen in Finnish goal, but shortly after the break, Ken Andre Olimb was fouled on a breakaway and scored from the awarded penalty shot with a precise deke move.

Norwegian joy was short-lived. Bonsaksen’s penalty was swiftly converted into an equalizer by Jarkko Immonen, moving to the slot and firing a one-timer past Lars Haugen. Two minutes later, another Finnish power-play unfolded with a successful close-range rebound by a hard-working Tuomo Ruutu and after another seven minutes, Immonen showed his goal-scoring abilities with completely the same move as during his first goal to fire in his seventh goal of the championship. 

Ruutu scored the game-winner. Photo: Roman Kucera

"We have been practicing this move," said Immonen, now tournament's leading goalscorer. "It was a pretty easy job to shoot and score, as Mikael Granlund provided two great passes."

Finland put a firm grasp on the match and dominated the late part of second period, consolidating their lead thanks to a swift attacking move during 4-on-4 play and a Jani Lajunen’s finish right under the crossbar.

Norway regrouped during the break, but coming back to the game was too much for them. With seven minutes to go, Holtet’s chance was well saved by Vehanen and Finland was firmly moving closer and closer to the semifinals. In a last minute of the game, Mathias Olimb’s shot rattled the post of Finnish goal in the last Norwegian move of this year’s championship.

"We hoped our 1-0 lead coud last for a while. Unfortunately, it wasn't to be. The second period killed us," said Team Norway head coach Roy Johansen. "I think we gave our best in this game, but it wasn't enough. We have to accept that."

Roy Johansen after the game. Photo: Roman Kucera

Team Finland’s deserved progress means they can now prepare for its first semifinal appearance in three years against the winner of the evening game between Canada and Russia.

"Both are top teams, you cannot really say who is better," said Team Finland head coach Jukka Jalonen. "Our goalkeeping today was very good, penalty killing and power-plays excellent. We will see what happens tomorrow."

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