Sweden took the lead just three minutes into the first period, through Luleå defender Jesper Sellgren. A few minutes before the break, it was also 2-0, when Oskar Steen slammed the puck into the far corner, and Tre Kronor seemed to be heading for a much more pleasant experience than the two previous matches in the tournament.
Finland, chasing the top spot in the tournament, would however come back. The second period became a goal-rich story where "The Lions" scored three straight goals – including one by Modo star Sampo Ranta – before Dennis Rasmussen could equalize to 3-3 for Sweden and ensure that the situation was completely even before the third period.
It would then take until halfway through the third period before the next goal fell – and then Finland took the lead again, after Harri Pesonen scored his second goal of the match in powerplay.
The Finnish 4-3 lead only lasted a few minutes – then it was Tre Kronor's turn to play powerplay and a new equalizer came, this time through Patrik Karlkvist.
In the end, it was still Finland that won the rivalry match, 5-4. It was thus all losses and a dismal last place for Tre Kronor in the Karjala Tournament.
December 9-15: Swiss Hockey Games, Switzerland.
February 3-9: Beijer Hockey Games, Stockholm.
February 10-20: NHL 4 nations, Montreal and Boston (only NHL players).
April 14-25: Finnkampen, Finland and Sweden.
April 28-May 4: Czech Hockey Games, Czech Republic.
May 9-25: World Championship, Stockholm and Herning, Denmark. Sweden will play all their matches in Stockholm, where the semifinals and medal matches will also be decided.
