Finland eliminates USA in world hockey

Halifax -- Sami Lepisto scored 3:59 into overtime Wednesday, giving Finland a 3-2 quarterfinal victory over the United States in the World Hockey Championship.

Finland joined Canada, Sweden and Russia in the semifinals, surviving a late surge in which the Americans overcame a 2-0 deficit.

Phil Kessel and Drew Stafford scored 37 seconds apart to tie the game with Stafford's goal coming shorthanded with 2:55 remaining in regulation.

Finland, however, quickly ended it in overtime with NHL veterans Saku Koivu and Teemu Selanne assisting on the winning goal.

The Finns will take on Russia in the semifinals Friday. Russia advanced with a 6-0 whipping of Switzerland.

Defending champion Canada drubbed Norway 8-2 and Sweden edged the Czech Republic 3-2 to set up the other semifinal matchup.

Derek Roy produced a hat trick for the Canadiens, while Jonathan Toews and Dany Heatley each had a goal and two assists.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.