Finland cut Team USA’s lead in half with 55 seconds left in the first period when Harri Pesonen rushed down the left wall and tucked a shot under the arm of U.S. goaltender Schneider.
With the U.S. leading 2-1, Larkin had a breakaway opportunity four minutes into the middle frame that drew Vehvilainen before the puck bounced off his stick and away from the goal.
Just minutes later, Clayton Keller (St. Louis, Mo.) nearly regained a two-goal U.S. lead when he and James van Reimsdyk (Middletown, N.J.) connected for a 2-on-1 opportunity that was turned away. Moments later, Colin White (Hanover, Mass.) joined in on the offensive press with a semi-breakaway chance right in front, but the score remained, 2-1.
Finland equalized the contest with 33 seconds left in the second on the power play when Sakari Manninen fed the puck into the slot, where Niko Ojamaki fired a one-timer over Schneider’s right shoulder and into goal.
Neither team scored in the third period as the game entered a five-minute, 3-on-3 overtime session.
The U.S. had the better of the play in the extra frame and Larkin ended the contest after he collected a pass from Quinn Hughes (Orlando, Fla.), skated into the slot and tucked a quick-wristed effort beneath Vehvilainen’s right arm for the game-winning goal.
