The rivalry between Sweden and Finland was subdued at times when the two nations met Tuesday in the World Cup of Hockey.
There was the odd outburst here or there. But emotions were kept in check.
Speaking of being kept in check: Sweden held on to defeat Finland by a final score of 2-0, dealing a devastating blow to their neighbors’ hopes of a World Cup semifinal berth.
Through two round robin games, the Finns have been held to one goal. In their latest defeat, they ran into a healthier Henrik Lundqvist, who was sensational in a 36-save shutout effort after recovering from the flu.
Erik Karlsson: "[Markstrom] had a flawless game against Russia and Hank had a flawless game today against Finland." #WCH2016
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) September 20, 2016
Patrik Laine had five shots on goal for Finland, and couldn’t beat Lundqvist. Late in the game, with the goalie pulled, Laine whiffed on a one-timer attempt, as his stick busted apart.
Just one of those days for the talented forward.
More importantly, Finland is 0-2. Sweden moves to 2-0. Team North America and Team Russia are 1-1. All four teams each have one game remaining in their respective schedules before the next round begins.
Sweden didn’t need much scoring. Not this time, anyway.
The big goal came from defenseman Anton Stralman, as he pinched down from the blue line and eventually tapped in a perfect pass from Henrik Sedin after he and twin brother Daniel went to work with the puck, as they typically do, down below Finland’s goal line.
Sweden now faces Team North America on Wednesday with a chance to go a perfect 3-0 in the round robin. Finland plays Russia on Thursday.