Finland followed in the footsteps of the Russians and Canadians opening their tournament with a convincing (5-1) win over Belarus that saw them outshoot their opposition by a count of 45-12. Olli Jokinen, Valtteri Filppula and Jarkko Ruutu all found the score-sheet while Niklas Hagman added two goals.
Teemu Selanne Ties Olympic Record In 5-1 Finnish Victory
↵With an assist on Jokinen’s goal, Teemu Selanne tied the Olympic record for the most points in the modern era (from the 1956 Games and beyond) held by Czechoslovakia’s Vlastimil Bubnik, Russia’s Valeri Kharlamov and Canada’s Harry Watson. Selanne has 20 goals and 36 points now having competed in five Olympic competitions.
↵Teammate Saku Koivu posted an assist and is two shy from tying the Olympic record for career helpers which is also Kharlamov’s at 22. Five goals from Selanne would tie him for the goal-scoring record of 25 held by Sweden’s Sven “Tumba” Johansson.
↵The 39-year-old is participating in the Olympics likely for the last time and is doing it with a plastic face guard after breaking his jaw with the Anaheim Ducks only to heal ahead of schedule to represent Team Finland. With a gold medal first and individual accomplishments second on his agenda, nothing could stop Selanne from competing again internationally in 2010.
↵And for a player who scored 76 goals as an NHL rookie, surpassing records is nothing new for the Finnish Flash.
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