Team USA upsets Finland, advances to play Russia

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Thanks to three goals over a four-minute span, the United States today defeated Finland, 3-2, in the IIHF World Championship quarterfinals in Switzerland. USA broke its seven-game losing streak to the Finns, who were considered one of the favorites for the gold medal after their victory over Canada on Monday.

The United States will play Russia in the semifinals Friday. Russia beat the Americans, 4-1, on Saturday. You can watch the game on Universalsports.com.

After surrendering a goal early in the second period, Kings’ captain Dustin Brown tied the game on a two-man advantage. T.J. Oshie scored less than three minutes later on a four-on-one breakout before Ryan Suter scored the eventual game-winning goal. Goalie Robert Esche made 47 saves in the win.

Beating Finland for the first time since the 2002 Winter Olympics is a huge morale booster for the Americans. Friday’s game against Russia will be tough, but the U.S. proved it can play with the best this tournament has to offer.

-- Austin Knoblauch