WJC: Rantanen scores goal, wins gold
Both Avalanche prospects attending the 2016 World Juniors met in the tournament’s finals.Capping of the 2016 World Junior Championship in Helsinki was today’s gold medal game, which featured both Avalanche prospects. Russian defenseman Sergei Boikov and Finnish captain Mikko Rantanen both had their eyes on the ultimate prize, yet only one could lift the trophy at the end.
In the end, it was Rantanen who celebrated his country’s victory. The Finnish captain almost scored the game-winning goal, as his redirection of Saajarvi’s shot found its way into the Russian net. Rantanen’s goal gave the hosts their first lead of the game, but the lead ultimately didn’t last. The Russians pulled even after scoring a goal with 6 seconds left in regulation. The tying goal didn’t break Finland’s spirit, which the young Finns proved by jumping straight at their opponents in overtime. Their offensive efforts were capped off by Kasperi Kapanen, who scored the game’s deciding goal on a wraparound after the Russian goalie was bumped by his own defenseman. Rantanen played an outstanding game and was deservedly named as Finland’s player of the game. The Finnish captain was awarded the player of the game award by former Avs player and Finnish legend Teemu Selanne.
Rantanen played an excellent game and was named as Finland's player of the game
Boikov went through a whole different spectrum of emotions, as he and his teammates were unbelievably close to pulling of a remarkable comeback. The young Russian failed to get on the scoresheet, finishing the tournament without any points. Boikov more than made up for his lack of production, as he had a solid tournament as one of Russia’s shutdown defenseman. Boikov’s disappointment was only made worse by the fact that he was on the ice for the Finnish golden goal.
Kaperi Kapanen's game-winning goal
Michal Hezely, Slovakia, hezely@eurolanche.com
05/01/2016 - 23:00
