It was Tre Kronor who cracked the zero in the first period in the Four National Meeting with Finland. Mika Zibanejad sprinkled 1-0, between the legs of Finnish goalkeeper Kevin Lankinen.
The answer came just over two minutes later. Finnish game turn, two-to-one mode and a direct shot from Anton Lundell meant 1-1. Before the period was over, Mikko Rantanen had made 2-1 to Finland in numerical superiority.
– Rantanen’s end and (Patrik) Laines pass. Sylvasst, says SVT Sports expert Jonas Andersson.
Goalkeeper change in front of others
For the second period, Tre Kronor changed goalkeeper: Filip Gustavsson was replaced by Linus Ullmark between the posts. Then followed two straight Swedish goals: Rasmus Dahlin poked in the receipt and Erik Karlsson sniffed in 3-2, played by William Nylander.
– Really leaks the play of Nylander who does a great job to then deliver a great backhand lift. Class, says Jonas Andersson.
But Finland got the last word in the middle act. Aleksander Barkov steered 3–3. The third period was then speechless and extension was expected.
Granlund hero
There was Finland that drew the longest straw. Mikael Granlund set the decisive 4-3 goal.
– Sweden makes a bad third period, before that, I think Sweden is the better team. It was not a play from any of the teams, but Barkov is a giant today and makes a difference as soon as he is on the ice. Regardless, sour for Sweden to lose to Finland and once again after an extension, says Jonas Andersson.
Three Kronor has now played two matches in Four Nations. Both have ended with the opponent (Canada and Finland) winning by 4-3 after extension.