The Lions crushed Latvia: in the non-league matches - one man left the game early

The Lions continue on the path of victories in the World Championships. On Thursday, Finland crushed Latvia with a stunning score of 7-1 and remains unbeaten after four matches in the tournament.

Latvia got off to a flying start in the match. Rudolfs Balcers surprised Justus Annunen just ten seconds into the game.

Finland was not too shaken by the shock start, as the net shook three times in the first period. Hannes Björninen equalized for the Lions five minutes into the game with assists from Henri Jokiharju and Waltteri Merelä. Around the halfway mark of the period, Jokiharju scored beautifully to give Finland the lead with assists from Patrik Puistola and Mikko Lehtonen. Later, Björninen set up Saku Mäenalanen for a breakaway, who scored Finland’s third goal.

Eemil Erholtz, who started in the Lions’ third line, had to leave the match after the first period. The Lions’ assistant coach Jussi Tapola stated during the intermission that Erholtz would not be able to finish the game.

Only one goal was scored in the second period. That was by Merelä, with assists credited to Mäenalanen and Björninen. The trio forming Finland’s fourth line was in great form, as Björninen recorded 1+2 points and both Merelä and Mäenalanen had 1+1 each.

The Lions started the final period with two power-play goals. Anton Lundell scored Finland’s fifth goal during a two-man advantage, and shortly after, Puistola shot the Lions into a 6-1 lead. Mikael Granlund and Aleksander Barkov assisted Lundell’s goal, while Lehtonen and Janne Kuokkanen assisted Puistola’s goal.

After Finland’s sixth goal, Latvia replaced Mareks Mitens in goal with SaiPa goalie Gustavs Grigals. Moments later, Grigals was also surprised when Aatu Räty added to the score, bringing it to 7-1. Lenni Hämeenaho and Lehtonen recorded assists on the goal.

Annunen made 14 saves in the match. Latvia’s goaltending duo, on the other hand, recorded 29 saves.

The Lions’ World Championship tournament continues tomorrow, Friday, with an evening match against Great Britain. The puck drops at 21:20.