Florida Panthers forward Jussi Jokinen scored the game-winning goal in Finland’s 3-1 win over host Russia. The Finns will take on Michael Matheson and Canada in tomorrow’s gold medal game. The Canadians edged Team USA by a 4-3 count in the other semifinal at the IIHF World Championship in Moscow.
Jokinen’s winner came 15:50 into the second period and was set up by young phenom Patrik Laine. Sebastian Aho scored the other two goals for Finland, who spotted Russia a 1-0 lead after one period.
The 33-year-old winger finished the game with three shots on goal and a +1 rating in 15:24 TOI.
Aleksander Barkov returned to action after missing the quarterfinal win over Denmark. Barkov logged 17:40 of ice time and finished with a +1 rating, but struggled in the face-off dot, winning just 4 of 14 draws. He also failed to register a shot on goal.
After a giving up a 2-0 lead, Canada overcame a one-goal deficit to beat the USA on a third period goal from Nashville defenseman Ryan Ellis.
Matheson played 10:58, had no shots on goal and finished with a -2 rating.
Brendan Gallagher, Brad Marchand and Derick Brassard scored the other goals for Canada, while Auston Matthews, David Warsofsky and Tyler Motte lit the lamp for the Americans.
The U.S. will take on Russia for the bronze at 9:15 a.m ET tomorrow. The gold medal game will take place at 1:45 p.m.