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Finland strikes against Sweden in 3-on-3 OT, Russia outlasts Czech Republic in World Cup exhibition

Ice Hockey - Winter Olympics Day 15

SOCHI, RUSSIA - FEBRUARY 22: Olli Maatta #3 of Finland reacts after scoring in the third period against the United States during the Men’s Ice Hockey Bronze Medal Game on Day 15 of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics at Bolshoy Ice Dome on February 22, 2014 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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Those who tuned in Thursday to watch Finland and Sweden reignite their hockey rivalry were treated to the first three-on-three overtime session of the World Cup of Hockey experience -- even if it was just an exhibition game.

Olli Maatta scored the winner for Finland with 43 seconds remaining in the extra period, as he beat Jhonas Enroth with a wrist shot over the glove and to the top corner to finish off a two-on-one rush.

Sweden dominated puck possession during the three-on-three showcase but couldn’t beat Pekka Rinne, who made 18 saves in Finland’s 3-2 victory.

Fans of the Vancouver Canucks will be happy to know that free agent acquisition Loui Eriksson scored his first goal of the exhibition schedule, with his Canuck teammate Daniel Sedin adding an assist.

Eriksson, who signed on July 1 for six years and $36 million, and the Sedin twins, Daniel and Henrik, are expected to form the top line in Vancouver this upcoming season, with the Canucks in desperate need of goal scoring.

Despite a third-period comeback attempt from the Czech Republic, Russia was able to hold on for a 4-3 victory in their pre-tournament game Thursday.

Russia jumped out to a two-goal lead in the second period, thanks in part to a goal on a perfect shot from Vladimir Tarasenko.

He’s OK.

Czech forward Vladimir Sobotka, who had an assist in the first period, left the game and was reportedly hospitalized with a clavicle injury.

However, reports following the game indicate the injury isn’t serious, which would be good news for the Czechs.