Finland maintained its perfect record by defeating the United States 4-1 at the 2022 World Hockey Championship on Monday in Tampere.
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The host nation has amassed three wins in as many outings so far in this tournament. Canada, Sweden and Switzerland are the other teams undefeated so far.
Against the Land of Uncle Sam, the Finns benefited from a brilliant performance from striker Sakari Manninen. The 30-year-old veteran hit the target once and provided two assists for three points. Mikko Lehtonen also did his part with a goal and an assist. Mikael Granlund and Valtteri Filppula also scored as crowd favourites.
In the third period, in a cause already lost, Alex Galchenyuk deprived goalkeeper Jussi Olkinuora of a shutout. He made 22 saves. At the other end of the rink, Strauss Mann stopped 21 of Finland’s 25 shots.
A costly victory for Germany
In Helsinki, Germany triumphed over France 3-2, but lost the services of their best striker: Tim Stützle.
The Ottawa Senators player appears to have injured his left leg after being hit by defenseman Thomas Thiry in the first period. He did not return to the game afterwards.
It was Leonhard Pföderl’s third-half success that allowed Germany to distance their French rivals.
Daniel Fischbuch and Alexander Ehl scored the other nets for the winners, while the reply for the losers came from the sticks of Alexandre Texier and Hugo Gallet.
A first win for Latvia
Earlier in the day in Tampere, Latvia got their first victory of the competition by beating Norway 3-2.
The winners had their best moments in the second period, as Nikolajs Jelisejevs and Roberts Bukarts moved the ropes.
Norway closed the gap in the third period, via a pass from Max Krogdahl. However, she was unable to outsmart goalkeeper Elvis Merzlikins again.
The Columbus Blue Jackets representative in the National League stopped 34 of the rivals’ 36 shots. He was also beaten by a pitch from Mats Rosseli Olsen in the first period. Also during this engagement, Rodrigo Abols opened the scoring for Latvia.
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