BRATISLAVA, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Finland bounced back from being down by two and claimed a semifinal spot in a 5-4 overtime win over Sweden at 2019 ice hockey worlds.
The traditional Nordic derby provided top-notch entertainment to a sold-out Steel arena in Kosice. Finland's team full of rising stars was down 1-3 and even 3-4 but both times they managed to rally against the stacked roster of the Swedes. Marko Antilla's tying goal with 90 seconds left and the net emptied sent the crowd into overdrive and the fast-paced game into overtime at 4-4.
Team Finland kept their momentum from regulation time going and their efforts were rewarded 97 seconds into the 3-on-3 overtime. Sakari Manninen decided to go for a wrister on a fastbreak and his laser past Lundqvist's shoulder concluded the highlight-reel game at 5-4.
Finland secured a spot in the quarterfinals and crushed Sweden's hopes of completing the world championship hat trick. They will challenge the undefeated Russians in Bratislava on Saturday.
