Finland Rebounds with Statement Win Over Sweden in Olympic Hockey Showdown
After a rocky start to their Olympic title defense, Finland came out swinging on Friday-literally and figuratively-taking down archrival Sweden 4-1 in a physical, high-stakes Group B clash in Milan. It was the kind of bounce-back performance that champions are made of, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
Finland, who took home gold in 2022, looked out of sync in their tournament opener, falling to underdog Slovakia in a result that raised more than a few eyebrows. But against Sweden, they brought the intensity, the structure, and most importantly, the scoring touch that made them Olympic champions just four years ago.
First Period Fireworks
The tone was set early by Finland’s defenseman Nikolas Matinpalo, who ripped a slapshot that clanged off the post and in midway through the first period. A textbook example of a defenseman jumping into the play at just the right moment, Matinpalo’s goal gave Finland the early edge-and the confidence boost they sorely needed.
Not long after, Florida Panthers center Anton Lundell showed off his hand-eye coordination, batting the puck out of the air and past Sweden’s netminder with under five minutes to go in the period. It was a highlight-reel tip that gave Finland a 2-0 lead and put Sweden on their heels heading into the first intermission.
Sweden Strikes Back-Briefly
Sweden tried to claw back in the second period, and they got a spark from one of their NHL stars. Detroit Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond set up Rasmus Dahlin for a power play goal from the blue line, cutting the deficit to 2-1. Raymond was active all game, finishing with four shots and creating several quality chances.
But just when it looked like momentum might shift, Finland delivered the dagger-on the penalty kill, no less.
With Sweden pressing on another power play, Finland’s Erik Haula fought off three defenders along the boards and somehow got the puck free to Joel Armia, who was all alone in front. Armia buried it for a short-handed goal, pushing the lead to 3-1 and sucking the air out of Sweden’s comeback hopes.
Physicality, Penalties, and a Punctuating Empty-Netter
As is tradition when these two Nordic powers meet, things got heated. A late-second-period scrum sent three players from each team to the box, and the third period opened with both benches short-handed. The physicality was constant, the emotions high-it was Olympic hockey at its most intense.
Mikko Rantanen sealed the deal in the third with an empty-netter, making it 4-1 and putting the finishing touch on a statement win for Finland.
What’s Next
The win keeps Finland in the hunt as they prepare to face Italy in their final Group B matchup. Sweden, meanwhile, will look to rebound against Slovakia, who suddenly find themselves as a potential group spoiler after their upset of Finland.
If Friday’s win was any indication, Finland has shaken off the early jitters and is ready to defend its crown with the kind of poise and punch that made them gold medalists in the first place.
Lindsey Vonn Shares Update Ahead of Fourth Surgery After Downhill Crash
Lindsey Vonn is no stranger to pain, but even by her standards, the past week has been a brutal one. The American skiing legend is set to undergo a fourth surgery on Saturday following the fractured tibia she suffered during her downhill run at the Milan Cortina Olympics on February 8.
Vonn gave fans a heartfelt update from her hospital bed in Treviso, Italy, sharing the news in a video posted to her Instagram. Resting her head on a shark-shaped pillow-one of many gifts she’s received from supporters-Vonn thanked everyone who’s sent flowers, letters, and well wishes.
“It’s just been so amazing and really helped me a lot,” she said. “It has been quite a hard few days in the hospital here. I’m finally feeling more like myself.”
The crash happened just 13 seconds into her run, when her arm caught a gate and sent her crashing into the snow. The impact fractured her leg and added yet another chapter to a career marked by both greatness and grit.
What makes her latest injury even more remarkable is that Vonn was already racing through a torn ACL in her left knee-an injury she sustained just nine days earlier during a final tune-up race in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. Despite all that, she had posted the third-fastest time in the final training run, proving once again that she’s as tough as they come.
Now, she’s facing a long road to recovery. Saturday’s surgery will be her fourth, and she’s hopeful it will allow her to return to the U.S. for further treatment and rehab. Another procedure will likely be needed once she’s back home, depending on what future imaging reveals.
“I have a long, long way to go,” Vonn said, noting that she’s still “very much immobile.” But she’s finding strength in the support of friends, family, and the performances of Team USA athletes at the Games.
“I feel very lucky and fortunate to have so many people around me that have really helped me get through this,” she said. “It’s been so great to watch [Team USA] and really lifted my spirits. Good job, team, and keep crushing it.”
For a woman who’s already conquered mountains-both literal and metaphorical-this is just the next climb. And if history tells us anything, don’t count Lindsey Vonn out.