Canada Advances To Hockey Finals

Brendan Shanahan scored with 12.5 seconds left in the second overtime Saturday night as Canada recovered after blowing a two-goal lead in the third period for 3-2 victory over Sweden in the semifinals of the World Cup of Hockey tournament.

The heavily favored Canadians, playing on their North American turf and holding a two-goal lead through two periods, shook off a challenge from the aggressive Swedes who matched them shot for shot and stride for stride throughout the dramatic contest.

Canada advanced to the best-of-3 finals starting Tuesday night in Philadelphia against the winner of today’s semifinal game between the United States and Russia.

The Canadians finally ended the game at 12:45 a.m. EDT Sunday when Theo Fluery uncorked a shot from the right hashmark and Shanahan deflected it past goalie Tommy Salo.

If not for Curtis Joseph’s sharp goaltending, the Canadians could have very well lost in regulation. Joseph was Canada’s best player through the first three periods, making 31 saves while his team was being outshot 33-23.

He was especially good in the first period when the Swedes continually stormed the net and held a 14-5 advantage in shots. During one stretch the Swedes outshot the Canadians 11-0.