The second game is in the JVM.
Then Finland did the job and defeated Slovakia 5-2.
Switzerland raised the eyebrows of many when they unexpectedly beat Finland at the JVM premiere. It looked like a loss at the start against Slovakia – but a break in the ice in the second half and a final score of 5-2 meant the Young Lions could celebrate.
During the match, the pair of Slovak goalkeepers were criticized by Viaplay expert Håkan Södergren. For example, Mate Marinov was deployed in connection with Finland’s last goal, when in the third period Brad Lambert made his way along the right wing and hit the ball in.
– This wide shot off the right wing shouldn’t go in, quite simply. The goalkeeping method is very weak. Covering a job in this position is an elementary school idea as a hockey goaltender. Viaplay expert Håkan Södergren says he’s never in a position to give that a chance to salvage.
The excitement died early
It was Sami Päivärinta who opened the scoring for Finland nine minutes into the first half.
With ten seconds left in the first half, the equalizing goal came from Peter Rybsek, who was alert at the penalty area and pressed in on the rebound.
But pressure on Finland killed the excitement early on. At the start of the second half, Joachim Kimmel showed off his great shot and took a clear 2-1 lead before Oliver Kapanen and Jani Niemann each scored.
Reduction in PP
The Slovaks got a drop in power play in the final period, but the hope was short-lived as Lambert’s final goal came soon after.
It was Slovakia’s first match in the tournament. Next up is the USA and Finland will face Latvia next.
