Russia Blanked By Finland, 3-0, Will Play Czechs for Bronze

May 13, 2011 7:53 pm

Photo credit: Reuters

Mikael Granlund’s eye-popping goal was all Finland needed to best Russia for the second time this week, but the Finns still plied on while Russia’s offense looked lifeless. The 3-0 loss for Russia ends their chance at gold — they will face the Czech Republic for bronze Sunday at 10:00 AM Eastern Time — while Finland will move onto the championship game against Sweden.

Alex Ovechkin was more of a factor Friday than any other game in the tournament, though unluckily for him, in a negative way. The Great Eight was called for two slashing penalties after poking Finnish goalie Petri Vehanen on multiple occasions, while failing to convert on great chances to score. He finished the game a minus-one while registering five shots on goal and 18:31 of ice time. In five games since joining the team, Ovi has neither scored a goal or tallied an assist. Ouch.

Via Alex Ovetjkin, here’s the disappointed man himself after the game:

“We did not seize the moments that we created, and the first goal by Finns… I think it is one of the best ever goals that could happen in hockey. They had skill and luck, it was all in one pile for them. We had no luck on our side. The scoring chances were good, but we couldn’t put the puck in the net. We have a game ahead for the third place. It doesn’t matter who is the opponent. If Czechs then it’s Czechs. We just have to go out and win at least some kind of medal.”

Additional Photos and Video

Goal of the century millennium.

Before the game, IIHF President Rene Fasel presents Vladimir Putin with a jersey after Russia was named the host nation of the 2016 Worlds. (Photo credit: Reuters)