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Canada stuns Russia for ice hockey worlds final vs. Sweden

Canada's Ryan O'Reilly, center, reacts after scoring team's third goal against Russia with teammates during the Ice Hockey World Championships semifinal match between Canada and Russia in the LANXESS arena in Cologne, Germany, Saturday, May 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
Canada's Ryan O'Reilly, center, reacts after scoring team's third goal against Russia with teammates during the Ice Hockey World Championships semifinal match between Canada and Russia in the LANXESS arena in Cologne, Germany, Saturday, May 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Canada's Ryan O'Reilly, center, reacts after scoring team's third goal against Russia with teammates during the Ice Hockey World Championships semifinal match between Canada and Russia in the LANXESS arena in Cologne, Germany, Saturday, May 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

By Associated Press 3 min read

COLOGNE, Germany (AP) – Two-time defending champion Canada and Sweden will contest the final of the ice hockey world championship after winning their semifinals in contrasting style on Saturday.

Canada stunned Russia by coming from two goals down in the third period to win 4-2, while Sweden comfortably beat Finland 4-1.

“I said from the start we need to play our best game in the end and that hasn’t changed,” Sweden captain Joel Lundqvist said of Canada. “We need to be even better tomorrow.”

Nate MacKinnon led the Canadian revival, setting up Mark Scheifele on a power play, then equalizing with his sixth goal of the tournament. Ryan O’Reilly scored the game-winner in a goalmouth scramble with only 3:02 remaining. Sean Couturier made sure with an empty net goal.

“Suddenly it was a different game,” Russian forward Artemi Panarin said of Scheifele’s first goal for Canada. “We got nervous, and that’s why we lost.”