With 7.15 minutes left in the match, Mikko Lehtonen decided when he made it 4-3 on a rebound.
Mikko Rantanen was responsible for the preparatory work that gave Finland the first full points in the Ice Hockey World Cup, after the opening loss against the USA, 1–4.
The NHL star, a regular in Colorado, weaved his way past three attacking Germans, created himself the shot position whose return allowed Lehtonen to shoot three points for Finland.
Before that, the home team and Germany offered an even and tight duel in the Nokia Arena; 1–1 after the first period and 3–3 after the second.
Finland and Germany next have group stage matches against Sweden and the USA on Monday.