Marking the first match between Finland and Hungary in the Top Division of the IIHF Women's World Championship, a well-played match between Finland and Hungary went into overtime. Elisa Holopainen, part of Finland's bronze medal roster at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing, China, recorded the game-winning tally for the 3-2 win.
Contested at the Scandal Hockey Arena in Frederikshavn, located on Denmark's northeast coast, Hungary finished third in Group B play. Led by head coach Delaney Collins, a former member of Canada's National Women's Team, the Hungarian squad reached the quarterfinal round of IIHF women's worlds.
Following a 12-1 defeat versus the United States, 16-year-old Regina Metzler scored Hungary's lone goal, Finland provided the opposition in Hungary's final game in Denmark. After capturing the bronze medal in Beijing, the Finns suffered an upset loss in overtime versus Czechia.
The Sept. 3 affair saw Finland enjoy the first lead of the game. Veteran forward Susanna Tapani scored at the 6:55 mark, the only goal of the first. Merely 14 seconds after Tapani's goal, Finland enjoyed a power-play opportunity, but Hungarian goaltender Aniko Nemeth nullified the offensive attack.
Only 58 seconds into the second, Noori Tulus extended Finland's lead. Despite the 2-0 advantage, Nemeth recorded 13 saves in the period. Allowing Hungary an opportunity to compete, Metzler broke Anni Kiesala's bid for a shutout, finding the back of the net at 23:30.
Although Hungary could not take advantage of a pair of powerplays following Metzler's goal, the 31:45 mark saw alternate captain Alexandra Huszak tie the score, her second of the tournament.
Despite Finland being sent to the penalty box three times in the third period, Hungary only mustered five shots on goal. Nemeth continued to excel, frustrating the Finnish offense, and amassing 12 saves.
With overtime required to decide the winner, the Hungarian offense was unable to mount an attack. Instead, Finland managed to escape with a hard-fought win. Less than 90 seconds into the extra frame, Holopainen, the 21-year-old forward, and one of the most dominant forwards of the Naisten Liiga, allowed Finland to win their second game in tournament play, finishing sixth in the standings.
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