<p>Wins over Germany and Hungary had set Finland up nicely for a meeting with the United States, and a comfortable 6-2 win over the reigning champions ensured they stayed perfect ahead of facing a Latvia side who had won one of their three matches so far.</p><p>However, the Finns were in for an early shock, as Latvia broke the deadlock after just 10 seconds when Aleksandar Barkov was too casual in possession behind his own goal, allowing <strong>Sandis Valmanis to steal the puck and knock it back for Rudolfs Balcers to score.</strong></p><p>But Finland regained their composure and were level again five minutes later when a Henri Jokiharju strike from the left was saved, only for the <strong>puck to ricochet up for Hannes Bjorninen to volley into the net.</strong></p><p>From then on it was plain sailing for <em>Leijonat</em>, and though Latvia survived the first powerplay following interference by Arturs Andzans, the conceded again within seconds of getting back to full strength when <strong>Patrik Puistola played the puck into Jokiharju's path and this time there was no stopping his shot.</strong></p><p>Inside the final five minutes of the opening period, Finland added some breathing space when Bjorninen sent <strong>Saku Maenalanen away and clear, and he made no mistake with the finish</strong> to make it 3-1.</p><p>Barkov began the second period badly as well, as he was called for tripping in the first minute, but eight minutes later the advantage was extended - this time it was <strong>Maenalanen's turn to turn provider, setting the puck back for Waltteri Merala to bury.</strong></p><p>A flurry of late penalties at the end of the second period resulted in Latvia beginning the third period two players down, and Finland made use of the 5-on-3 as Barkov finally enjoyed a positive opening minute to a period, as he set up <strong>Mikael Granlund for a shot, which was saved, but Anton Lundell pounced</strong> on the rebound.</p><p>Getting one man back wasn't enough for the Latvians, who conceded another powerplay goal less than 30 seconds later - Mikko Lehtonen's shot didn't make it through the crowd, but that's where <strong>Puistola was waiting to poke it home.</strong></p><p>And in the sixth minute of the final period, the Nordic side added a seventh when the arriving Aatu Raty had his shot saved by new goaltender Gustavs Grigals, but <strong>he followed in to collect his own rebound and score.</strong></p><p>Four two-minute penalties against Finland - two conceded by Lundell - in the final 14 minutes slowed the momentum, <strong>but a resounding 7-1 victory for Antti Pennanen's side puts them on the brink of Quarter-final qualification</strong>, though they remain second in the table behind Switzerland on goal difference.</p><p>Latvia stay sixth, two points behind the all-important fourth place, and next up they play the side occupying that place, USA, on Saturday 23rd. Finland return to the ice on Friday 22nd to face outsiders Great Britain.</p><p><strong>Follow the 2026 World Ice Hockey Championship on Flashscore.</strong></p>