And the start was there for the Russians, when Mikhail Grigorenko found the net in the first period. In the second act, Finland struck via Ville Pokka, after which that country also got off to a flying start in the third and final period. After half a minute it was Hannes Bjorninen who changed the puck with a light touch just enough to outsmart the Russian goaltender: 2-1. In the final phase, the already difficult-scoring Russians took their goalie out of the net, but the team of former NHL player (and Olympic champion) Alexei Zhamnov no longer scored.
For example, after silver medals in Calgary (1988) and Turin (2006), Finland finally won gold, and that was celebrated. America executioner Slovakia took the bronze yesterday by beating Sweden.