The World Junior Hockey Championship had a first surprise in store from the first game. Switzerland took the measure of Finland in the first match of the tournament by the score of 3-2 in overtime in curtain raiser.
Switzerland did not steal this victory. The team dominated 27-16 in terms of shots on goal and it was finally Attilio Biasca who put the exclamation point to this great performance following only 41 seconds of play in overtime.
It was Finland who opened the scoring in the second period. Konsta Kapanen, the cousin of Canadiens prospect Oliver, jumped on a return at the mouth of the net to put Finland in charge.
But Switzerland provided the answer before the end of the middle period. Shawinigan Cataractes forward Lorenzo Canonica scored with a good wrist shot to tie the game.
Then in the third period, Switzerland sent a clear message to Finland. Jeremy Jabola pushed the puck into the back of the net to give Switzerland the lead for the first time in the game.
With just under 12 minutes left in the third, Kalle Vaisanen responded and forced extra time.
It was finally Biasca who played the heroes with a good shot from the top of the slot.
Finland goalkeeper Aku Koskenvuo stopped 24 shots, while Switzerland’s Kevin Pasche allowed two goals on 16 shots.
Canadiens prospect Kapanen was cleared from the scoresheet.
Finland will cross paths with Slovakia on Tuesday, while Switzerland have an appointment with Latvia, also on Tuesday.
