(DUBNetwork is out at the World Junior Summer Showcase today and will bring you full coverage of the goings on). Today, USA scored with 1.5 seconds left in overtime to beat Sweden & Canada scored with 36 seconds left in overtime to take the win over Finland.
Canada vs Finland
Canada and Finland both came out to set the tone early. Big hits were thrown on both sides, including a first shift board-rattler by Michael Rasmussen (Tri-City). Maxime Comtois caught Olli Maansaari up high at the half-way mark of the period triggering a Finland power play on which they would score through a net-front deflection by Sampo Ranta. At the seven minute mark the aforementioned Rasmussen scored on a wrister from the left side – one that Finnish goalie Filip Lindberg would want back. Near the end of the period Halifax’s (QMJHL) Raphael Lavoie made a slick move down the left hand side but couldn’t hit the back of the net. The period would end 1-1.
Four minutes into the second period, Canada’s Noah Dobson pounced on a rebound in the slot off a Liam Foudy shot to take the lead. Tri-City’s Michael Rasmussen collected an assist on the play. Rasmussen was active again in this period with his physical play. The remainder of the period was rather lacklustre. Both teams went back and forth with Canada holding the majority of the play but unable to score.
The third period started out much the same way the second ended with not a lot happening. At the five minute mark Canada was awarded a power play on a holding call that the Finnish bench was not happy with. On the ensuing man-advantage, Lethbridge’s Calen Addison made a quick move to the middle and fed Dobson who buried the chance to extend Canada’s lead. Finland responded quickly with a goal of their own. Sampo Raanta broke through the middle of the ice and made a move to the backhand to cut the lead down to one. Two minutes later Finland’s Aarne Talvietie scored on another breakaway to tie the game. Late in the period Finland pushed for the winner but were unsuccessful. With 36 seconds left in overtime Comtois would finish a gorgeous three way passing play to win the game for Canada 4-3.
WHL Content:
Michael Rasmussen: Big body, hit on first shift. Slow feet, scored on a wrister from the left wing.
Connor Dewar: Hard hit in the corner.
Cody Glass: Great Vision, works hard, most consistent player.
Jaret Anderson-Dolan: PK time, took a slashing penalty late in the game.
Calen Addison: Tough in front of net, taking no crap. Lost board battles. Late Hit penalty. Great pass on the PP to Dobson for the third goal. Walked the line well.
Special Teams
Canada 1 / 4 PP
Finland 1 / 4 PP
Shots
Canada 7-15-8-2-32
Finland 7-4-8-1-20
