Estonia Outclasses Canada 9-2 to Face Slovakia in 9th Place Game – 06.12.2018

The Estonians eventually won this game 9-2, but Canada didn’t make it easy for them. Kermo Uue and Ken Pähn each recorded 3 points. While Uue assisted on three goals, Pähn scored once and added two assists. The two teams met only once before in the WFC history. It was two years ago in Riga and the Baltic country won 16-4.

The Estonians set the pace of the game while controlling the ball and were trying to find ways through Canada’s defense. And they actually found a few holes. At 1:43, the left wing of Estonia’s third line, Ken Pähn, scored the opener with a perfectly accurate shot. But Canada managed to tie the game quickly with Cedric Grenapin’s goal. However, that was basically it from Canada. Estonia turned its domination into three goals and won the first period 4-1. And Estonia’s lead could have been even bigger, had it not been for Oskar Salm’s missed penalty shot.

The Estonians played more relaxed floorball in the middle period and sometimes they even didn’t seem to be 100% focused. On the other hand, the Canadians improved their defense and didn’t let the Estonians create many scoring chances. But it doesn’t change the fact that Estonia was still the better team and could have scored more goals than it actually did. And so the second period score was tied at 1-1, making it 5-2 for Estonia after forty minutes.

The last period was the most evenly balanced. Estonia was still struggling with finishing and Canada sensed their chance. The Canadians put their opponents under pressure and created several scoring opportunities, but the Estonians showed their experience and didn’t allow any surprise. Pass, E. Unga, Savi and Rydell each tallied one goal and Estonia led the game to the final score 9-2. The 26-year-old Rickard Rydell, who takes part in his first career Men’s World Championship, is Estonia’s scoring leader with 9 points (7+2).