Tikkinen leads Finland over Russia in women's hockey

Last Updated: Sunday, February 14, 2010 | 10:43 PM ET

CBC Sports

Nina Tikkinen of Finland scores one of her two goals against goaltender Irina Gashennikova of Russia on Sunday. (Harry How/Getty Images)

Nina Tikkinen scored two goals to pace Finland to a 5-1 win over Russia in preliminary-round women's hockey action at the Vancouver Olympics on Sunday.

Finland had a case of opening jitters to start the tournament, taking three penalties in the first six minutes. Russia capitalized when Alexandra Vafina shovelled home a rebound that bounced off Finnish goalie Noora Raty and into the net.

But that power-play marker seemed to wake Finland up.

The team seized control of the game, scoring five unanswered goals and outshooting the Russians 34-14.

Finland's relentless forechecking led to numerous Russian turnovers.

Russia had a chance to tie the game midway through the second period when the Finns took three straight penalties.

Russia had a two-man advantage after Rosa Lindstedt took her third penalty of the game. But the Russian power play failed to convert on the opportunity and Finland returned to the attack.

Saija Sirvio, Marjo Marjo Voutilainen and Venla Hovi also scored for Finland. Michelle Karvinen chipped in with two assists.

Finland's win is crucial in the Group B standings, since only two teams will advance to the medal round. The powerhouse United States is expected to finish first in the group.