Russia set up semi with hosts Canada in the Ice Hockey World Cup

By Christopher Cummins with Agencies • Updated: 23/09/2016

Russia advanced into the semi final of the Ice Hockey World Cup in Toronto with a clinical victory over Finland.

The Finns nearly took the lead early in the second period, but Granlund clipped the post.

Finland v. Russia! #WCH2016 pic.twitter.com/HQGybw1hO0
— Dylan Prahovic (@IndecisiveDylan) September 22, 2016

Russia then moved up a gear and the pressure paid off when Vladimir Tarasenko finished off a give and go with captain Alex Ovechkin to put Russia ahead.

Russia’s second came 79 seconds later when Ivan Teleginz rounded Tuukka Rask, the Finnish goal minder.

Russia beats Finland 3-0, setting up a World Cup semifinal Saturday v Canada. Sweden and Europe is the other semifinal pic.twitter.com/nHyuLPctg3
— TSN Radio Vancouver (@TSN1040) September 22, 2016

Evgeni Malkin made it three in the third period to consign Finland to a third defeat in the tournament.

Russia will meet hosts Canada in the semis.