Storm warning from the Lions: USA overturned - NHL player excelled!

The Lions defeated the reigning world champion USA 6-2 in one of the most anticipated matches of the ice hockey World Championship group stage on Monday.

Finland’s first period in Monday’s match was highly efficient. Lenni Hämeenaho, 21, who has played 33 NHL games this season for the New Jersey Devils, opened the scoring with a fiery shot in the seventh minute. USA’s Matt Coronato showcased his top-class shot a minute and a half later, surprising Justus Annunen, who was in goal for the Lions.

The Lions were not too shaken by Coronato’s goal, as Patrik Puistola scored from Hämeenaho’s setup to put Finland ahead 2-1 just a minute after the Americans equalized. Aatu Räty then made it 3-1 for the Lions as the period ended.

The most unfortunate situation for Finland in the first period occurred a couple of minutes before the break when NHL defenseman Urho Vaakanainen was injured from a hit by Mathieu Oliver, resulting in him not returning to the game.

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In the second period, the Lions forced USA’s starting goalie Joseph Woll to be substituted after a quick goal scored just two minutes into the period. Hämeenaho, who scored his second goal of the night on the power play, was the first to find the net.

Immediately after this, the Lions’ fourth line and Saku Mäenalanen extended the lead to a flattering 5-1.

The next goal in this high-scoring battle was not seen until the fourth minute of the third period. At that point, Washington Capitals’ super prospect Ryan Leonard capitalized on Eemil Erholtz and Olli Määttä‘s consecutive penalties, scoring USA’s second goal on the power play.

The Lions’ power play response came three minutes later when Anton Lundell scored Finland’s 6-2 lead from between the American defensemen.

This ultimately remained the last goal of the match, so the Lions continue their tournament with a clean slate after three games. For the USA, this was already their second loss of the tournament.

Finland’s World Championship campaign continues on Thursday with a match against Latvia after a couple of rest days.