Finns Shatter Russia’s Ice Hockey Dreams in Sochi

Vyacheslav Voinov (C) of Russia fights for the puck with Finland player Antti Pihlstrom (R) in the quarterfinal match in Sochi. Photo by EPA/BGNES

Russia's men's ice hockey team suffered a crushing quarterfinal defeat 1-3 to Finland in the Sochi Winter Olympic Games.

The Russians took the lead in the 8th minute of the first period through Ilya Kovalchuk. However, Finland managed to turn things around by the end of the period, with goals from Juhamatti Aaltonen and veteran forward Teemu Selanne.

Granlund scored early in the second period to give the Finns a 3-1 lead.

From there on, it was mostly the Russians attacking and the Finns defending bravely. The home team even had 2 power plays, but were not able to materialize on their one-man advantage.

Finland will face their other neighbors Sweden in the semifinal, while the Russians will reflect on their third consecutive Olympics without a medal in ice hockey.