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In a thrilling Nordic semi-final in Trenčķn, Sweden defeated Finland 6:5 in overtime to reach the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup final for the first time in three years after comeing back from 2:5 down to win the game. Finland, despite a strong third period turn around, will only play for bronze.
Penalties: 5:4, plus Suominen (FIN) 5 + OK. PP goals: 2:0. SH goals: 0:0.
Referees: Hronskż, Konc – Jedlička, Gegįņ. Attendance: 721.
Report
Sweden opened the scoring early thanks to a powerplay goal deflected in by Marcus Nordmark. Finland equalised in the second period through Oliver Suvanto, but Sweden quickly regained the lead via Alex Elofsson. Both teams had powerplays but failed to capitalise, however, Swedish goalie Milo Tjärnlund made key saves to keep the Tre Kroner in the lead.
Finland turned the game around early in the third with three quick goals from Vilho Vanhatalo, Oscar Hemming and Luka Arkko, followed by a fifth from Samu Alalauri to make it 5:2. However, Sweden struck back during a five-minute powerplay, as Axel Elofsson and Bosse Meijer’s powerplay goals narrowed the gap to just one goal. Then, with an empty net and an extra attacker out on the ice, Nordmark scored again to tie the game 5:5 and force overtime.
There Nordmark completed his hat trick with a backhand winner, sending Sweden on to the final and Finland into the bronze-medal game.