2021 World Junior Recap: Quarterfinals

After 20 minutes, Sweden had a 2-0 lead over Finland in their quarterfinal match-up. But the last 40 minutes belonged to Finland - and two Winnipeg Jets prospects were a big part of the comeback.
Ville Heinola had an assist and played 27:58 in a 3-2 come from behind win for Finland, earning him Player of the Game honours. Henri Nikkanen scored his second goal of the tournament, a big momentum turning moment in the second period, to start the comeback.

That goal was the result of a rush chance with Brad Lambert and Eemil Viro just 5:32 into the middle frame. The 19-year-old Nikkanen snapped home a shot from the left wing side, beating Swedish goaltender Hugo Alnefelt on the stick side.

Less than 30 seconds later, it looked like Heinola's incredible poise and creativity at the offensive blue line set up the game-tying goal. However, a quick offside challenge from Sweden took the goal off the board.

That didn't deter Heinola and the Finns however. They finished the second period outshooting Sweden 12-6 and kept the pressure up in the third.

That pressure paid off. A tripping penalty to Sweden's Emil Heineman put Finland on the power play with under 10 minutes to go. Just as that power play expired, Heinola spun off a check at the Sweden blue line and fed Anton Lundell with a backhand pass at the right-wing circle. Lundell stepped into a wrist shot and buried it, tying the game at two.

Finland kept the pressure up and were once again rewarded. This time, it was Roni Hirvonen, who shoved home a wrap around with 25 seconds left in regulation to put his country ahead 3-2.
That's how the game would end. Finland will now face the USA in the semi-final on Monday.

Canada 3, Czech Republic 0
Things were somewhat less dramatic Cole Perfetti's quarterfinal match-up, as Canada shut out Czech Republic to earn a spot in the semi-final.
Perfetti was held off the scoresheet, but played 14:24 and had one shot on goal in the victory.
Canada's offence came from Dylan Cozens - who continues to be among the tournament leaders in goals and points - as well as Bowen Byram and Connor McMichael.
It was a busy night in goal for Canadian goaltender Devon Levi, who stopped all 29 shots he faced to help earn him his second shutout in three games.
Canada will now play Russia in the semi-final round on Monday.