Finns celebrate win against rival Swedes

LAKE PLACID, N.Y. -- The rivalry between Finland and Sweden is a deep and sometimes bitter one when it comes to hockey. That's why there was some extra yelling and cheering from Finland after their 3-2 shootout defeat of Sweden on Saturday.

For the group of 1994- and 1995-born Finnish players, it was the first time in five years of top-level international hockey, dating to under-16 tournaments, that they had beaten their counterparts of the same age from Sweden.

"It felt great," Juuso Ikonen, who scored the winner in the shootout, told NHL.com. "It was a good game for us. This wasn't a big tournament, but it still feels good."

Teuvo Teravainen, who scored a pair of goals, each of which tied the game, said the post-game celebration in the locker room was extra loud and long.

"It's always a big thing to beat Sweden," he told NHL.com. "They're tough battles every time. I think we haven't beaten Sweden so much. It was an awesome win."

Follow Adam Kimelman on Twitter: @NHLAdamK