Canada, for the most part, dominated the Finns last night.

 The Canadians got goals from Joe Sakic and Steve Yzerman and a solid performance from goalie Martin Brodeur to revenge the bronze-medal loss to Finland in Nagano in 1998.

 "We talked a lot before the game about using our speed to our advantage," Sakic said. "The key for us is we seem to be getting better as the tournament goes on. That's what we wanted to do."

 Goaltender Jani Hurme kept the Finns alive last night. He gave up a weak goal to Sakic early, but then virtually shut the door before Yzerman scored what turned out to be the winner in the second period.

 Working a perfect give-and-go with Mario Lemieux, who appeared to be hurting and left the game for a brief stretch, Yzerman opened a two-goal lead that lasted only 20 seconds.

 By the time the second-period buzzer sounded, the Canadians had outshot the Finns 29-13, but had only a 2-1 lead.

 "Usually teams in the NHL have one or two great players, but even Canada's third and fourth lines are tough when they're coming at you," said Hurme.

 Niklas Hagman brought the Finns within a goal at 16:09 by sliding in a pass from Tomi Kallio. Though Brodeur had to make a few tough stops, he wasn't nearly as busy as Hurme.

 The Finns had a tough time penetrating the Team Canada zone and Brodeur faced only five shots in the first.

 The Canadians had numerous chances in the first period. All alone in front, winger Brendan Shanahan, who has struggled, couldn't put it home with Hurme down and out as the puck sailed over the net and hit the glass.

 "We knew this was going to be a tough team to play, but we love playing against these guys," Finnish forward Teemu Selanne said.

 "They've got a bunch of millionaires who are all superstars and they're a tough challenge to face."

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2002 Games Men's Hockey Coverage