Team Canada’s lack of discipline has been a problem throughout this year’s World Junior tournament, and it cost them a spot in the semi-final.
Maple Leafs prospect Mitch Marner scored two goals in the third period, but it wasn’t enough, as the host Finns defeated an undisciplined Team Canada by a score of 6-5 in the quarterfinals on Saturday.
Coming into the game, Team Canada head coach Dave Lowry said he wanted his team to take three minor penalties or less.
How many did they finish with? Nine.
With the game tied 5-5 in the third period, forward Jake Virtanen took not one, but two penalties during the same sequence.
Moments later, defenseman Joe Hicketts got a delay of game penalty, which put the Finns on a 5-on-3 power play.
That’s when 17-year-old Patrik Laine scored the game-winning goal with under six minutes remaining.
Finland beats Canada 6-5 ... for the first time since 1998 Canada doesn't makes the semis at #WorldJuniors
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) January 2, 2016
As you can see by Laine’s post-game comments (below), the Finns aren’t lacking confidence heading into their semi-final showdown against Sweden.
Patrik Laine mighty confident... thoughts on facing Sweden? "Of course we're going to beat them"
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) January 2, 2016
Hartwall Arena erupts as host Finland advances to the semis after a wild game! 6-5 final score. #WJC2016Helsinki pic.twitter.com/SQDfBJrVNb
— IIHF WJC 2016 (@WJC2016Helsinki) January 2, 2016