Finland beats U.S. women for first time in women's hockey
HARBIN, China -- Defenseman Heidi Pelttari scored a power-play goal 3:42 into overtime as Finland defeated the United States 1-0 in the qualifying round of the World Women's Hockey Championship on Tuesday.
It was the first time that Finland has defeated the United States in women's hockey.
In another qualifier, Switzerland defeated Sweden on Kathrin Lehmann's shootout goal after a 3-3 tie at the end of regulation and overtime.
Finland scored the game's only goal against the Americans while on a two-man advantage.
Gigi Marvin was penalized for tripping at the same time veteran defenseman Julie Chu made a mistake on a line change. The U.S. was called for too many players on the ice and was two players short at 1:54.
"That was my mental mistake and I take responsibility for it," Chu said.
Finland goaltender Noora Raty made 30 saves for the shutout. U.S. goalie Jessie Vetter stopped 14 of 15 shots.
"I'm not sure it was a shock," Chu said of the loss. "They've done well against us in the past. I don't think you're going to see the gaps between countries that we saw five or 10 years ago.
The U.S. will face Canada on Thursday in the final qualifying-round game before the medal round begins.
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press
