Ice hockey-Canada suffer first loss at worlds in shootout defeat by Finland

Canada's unbeaten streak at the men's World Championship was snapped as Finland clinched a 2-1 victory in a tense shootout on May 19. The game, held in Riga, saw both teams locked in a defensive battle, with neither willing to give an inch. Despite Canada's aggressive play, Finland's goaltender stood firm, frustrating the Canadian forwards throughout the match. The first period was a scoreless affair, but the intensity on the ice was palpable. Finland broke the deadlock in the second period with a swift counterattack, putting Canada on the back foot. However, Canada responded with a goal of their own in the third period, pushing the game into overtime. The extra time could not separate the two sides, leading to a nail-biting shootout. In the shootout, Finland's precision proved decisive as they edged out Canada, handing the pre-tournament favorites their first loss. Despite the setback, Canada remains a strong contender with several matches left to play. The loss serves as a wake-up call, emphasizing the competitive nature of the tournament and the fine margins that can define success on the world stage.

— Authored by Next24 Live