Finland still flying

For the second game in a row Canada's star-studded line-up of NHL stars was blanked. Philidelphia Flyers netminder Niittymaki made it sound simple.

"It was more of great team defence," he said, "We play really good defence, all five guys on the ice.

"I just have to stop the puck."

The unbeaten Finns charge into the quarter-finals with a record of 4-0 while Canada are struggling to find the form that led them to be billed as tournament favourite.

"We're not playing much like a team right now," Canadian coach Pat Quinn told reporters. "We're very individual and the process of becoming a team has been very halting.

"Right now we are a collection of individuals."

After the loss, Canada are tied with the Czech Republic for third place in group A with a record of two wins and two loses.

"We need to become a team. It takes time but you can't take too much time or you disappear."

The Canadians sneak into the next round after being guaranteed fourth place due to Germany's draw with Switzerland earlier on Saturday.

The Finns set the tone for the rest of the game dominating the first period and out-shooting Canada 14 to 5.

In the 11th minute Selanne grabed the lead for the Finns after line-mate Saku Koivu got a hold of a loose puck behind the Canadian net. Koivu slid a perfect pass to Selanne who fired a shot first time that Canadian goaltender Roberto Luongo could only deflect into his own net.

Four minutes later Kapanen got on the scorer's sheet after bringing in a rebound on the right edge of Luongo's crease. The Finnish winger made no mistakes in blazing a backhanded shot past the outstretched glove of Luongo.

Canada stepped up the intensity in the second period but failed to make the breakthrough.

In the 35th minute, Rick Nash found himself one on one with Niittymaki after a great interception in the neutral zone. Nash went low to the left and Niittymaki kept the puck out with a kick save.

Two goals are all Finland would need for the win as Canada could only manage six shots on target in the final frame.