Youngsters’ Forum

Finland Go For Gold!!!!!!!

June 1st, 2007

After a triumphant win in O.T over Russia the hosts of the 2007 world cup Finland were ready for Canada after Canada cruised to a 4-1 victory over Sweden. Finland knew this was going to be a battle as Canada were the best team at the tournament. Canada came here confident on a medal after the upset of last year when they lost 5-0 against the strongest Finland team anyone had seen for 11 years. Finland had the best goalkeeping record with Kari Lehtonen letting in only 8 the whole tournament and Canada had a strong powerplay record with nearly 75% percent goals on powerplay but Finland had a fantastic penalty kill record as they had only let in 4 goals and had 3 shorthanded goals. Now the game began and Finland had control of the puck. Canada came on the breakaway and at 7 minutes into the gold match Finland gave away a penalty. Straight away Canada took advantage and in 13 seconds they scored a goal. Rick Nash was the goal scorer and he had just won the face-off and he deked all the Finnish defence he then found a great opening and a wrist shot came. Kari Lehtonen had no chance. 3 minutes later Finland suffered yet another penalty which Canada capitalized on and yet another powerplay goal. Finland were 2-0 down but they now had a breakaway chance unfortunately Hentunen could not put the chance away consequently Canada had the game pretty much buried. Now it was the 1^st period over Finland came out of the changing rooms determined to win. Finland gave away 2 penalties once again which made it 5 on 3 but Lehtonen keep it 2-0 a big bombshell landed as Finland couldn’t hold out and Canada subsequently extended their lead to 3 at the end of the 2^nd period Finland just about broke their goal drought but a magnificent Ward save kept it 3-0. When the 3^rd period started Canada had the gold in their reach but Finland had punished Canada for their confidence in the win and Toumo Ruutu put away a Great goal and they had been dominant after the break as they were getting all the chances and Finland now slimed the tie in their favour as Pyorala made it 3-2 but in the final minute Rick Nash came on the breakaway and forced it past Kari Lehtonen now the Finland fans knew the dream was over as the siren sang much to the delight of the Canadian fans. An intense match at the final but Finland couldn’t get their second gold of all time and Canada now celebrate their 24^th gold medal. We caught up with the disappointed Finnish coach Eurka Westurlund,”What was your thoughts on the game?” 

“Well a tense game and Canada dominated us in the 1^st and 2^nd period but we did pull back 2 in the last period but Rick Nash forced it past the Finnish goalie.” “Who was the player of the game in your opinion?” 

“We did have a few great players but Toumo Ruutu outshined everyone as so did Jere Lehtien but because Toumo got us back into the game he got my vote.” “Now there have been accusations that this is your last game with Finland is that so?” 

“Yes I’m not sure what my career has in store but I’m going to be looking for offers from clubs in the NHL but I guess I’m going to keep a low profile for now.” “Thanks for the interview and hope for the best” 

“No Problem and Thank you.” Now we also got a Interview with the former captain Saku Koivu 

“Do you think you could have won if you had the same squad as in the Olympics?” “Well maybe but we still had a great game anyway without some of our most gifted players.” 

“Thank you for this chat and we hope the best for you in the NHL.” “Thank you and same to you and the team” 

Now Finland will be fast chasing the next world championships and hoping another gold to follow up their 1995 gold medal. Goodbye from Moscow for another year.  By Juuso (Finnish journalist) 

Entry Filed under: Kittybrewster