Ice hockey - Finland avoid Norway upset with overtime goal

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By Steve Keating

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia (Reuters) - Tuomo Ruutu scored in overtime to lift Finland to a 3-2 win over Norway at the world championships on Monday, narrowly avoiding a first ever defeat by their Nordic neighbours in a major tournament.

"One reporter gave us the kiss of death today saying we had never lost to them (Norway)," Finland coach Doug Shedden told reporters.

"We got two early powerplay goals and then the powerplay went flat but the end result was good, you're not going to play great every night."

While Norway has never beaten Finland at an Olympics or world championships, their hockey history is full of upsets, the biggest a 4-3 win over Canada at the 2000 worlds.

The Norwegians looked ready to add another scalp after Anders Bastiansen converted a two man-advantage with nine seconds remaining in the opening period to level at 2-2 and they grimly held on through the second and third periods to force overtime.

But the Finns showed their experience during the extra-session, clinching victory on the first shot when Ruutu redirected Mikko Koivu's centring pass by Pal Grotnes to send the reigning silver medallists top of the Group C standings with a 2-0 record.

Finland received more good news on Monday, officials confirming that Montreal Canadiens captain Saku Koivu had agreed to play at the championships and would join the team on Wednesday.

"He (Koivu) talked to Jari (Finland general manager Jari Kurri) just before the warmup and said he was coming," said Shedden. "Not only is he a great player, he's a great leader, good penalty killer, good powerplay guy, good speed.

"He brings everything. He's got the whole package."

Jussi Jokinen and Ville Peltonen scored for the Finns in regulation while Morten Ask also tallied for Norway.

In Quebec City, Julien Sprunger scored two powerplay goals as Switzerland edged Belarus 2-1.

Martin Gerber got his second straight start in the Swiss net and turned in another steady effort, making 22 saves as Switzerland went top the Group A standings with a 2-0 record.

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