Finland defeated Canada 4-2 in regulation at the World Championship, erasing a one-goal first-period deficit with a decisive three-goal second period. The win was built on rapid transitions and a collapse of Canada's defensive structure in the middle frame.
After a back-and-forth opening period—Patrik Puistola opened the scoring for Finland at 4:00, but Canada replied through Robert Thomas (9:00) and Dylan Holloway (15:00) to lead 2-1—Finland took control early in the second. Aleksander Barkov tied it at 21:00, then Konsta Helenius (32:00) and Aatu Raty (33:00) struck 63 seconds apart to make it 4-2. Neither team scored in a scoreless third period.
Finland's second-period surge was keyed by Mikael Granlund's two assists (on the Barkov and Helenius goals) and a goal and assist from Konsta Helenius. The Finnish penalty kill also held Canada scoreless on its lone power-play opportunity.
