Finland defender Ronja Savolainen (88) attacks the net defended by Sweden goaltender Sara Grahn (1) and goes on to score during third period IIHF Women’s World Hockey Championship hockey action in Brampton, Ont., on Sunday, April 9, 2023.. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov
BRAMPTON, Ont. – Finland came from behind to double Sweden 4-2 at the women’s world hockey championship Sunday.
Trailing 2-0 after two periods, the Finns rattled off three unanswered goals between 3:42 and 7:51 to take the lead.
The Finns (3-0) secured first place in Pool B with a game to play Monday against Hungary in the preliminary round.
Defending champion Canada (3-0) had Sunday off and faces archrival United States at the CAA Centre to conclude Pool A play Monday.
The U.S. and last year’s bronze medallist Czechia were to meet Sunday in a Pool A game matchup, while the Germans and French were to clash in Pool B.
Ronja Savolainen led Finland with a pair of power-play goals – the equalizer and an insurance goal
Petra Nieminen notched the game-winner and also assisted on Savolainen’s tying goal.
Anni Silen’s five-minute boarding major at 14:41 of the third hampered Sweden’s chances of retaking control of the game.
Finland’s goaltender Anni Keisala stopped 13 of 15 shots for the victory.
Viivi Vainikka sparked Finland’s comeback by scoring her team’s first goal of the game.
The Swedes led 2-0 on goals from Mira Jungaker and Hanna Thuvik.
Swedish starter Sara Grahn, who is appearing in a record 11th world championship for a goaltender, stopped all 22 shots she faced in the first 40 minutes, but gave up four goals on 16 shots in the third.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 9, 2023.
