Kevin Lankinen (C) of Finland defends during the 2019 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Slovakia group A game between France and Finland at Steel Arena on May 19, 2019 in Kosice, Slovakia. Finland won 3-0. (Xinhua/Lukasz Laskowski)
BRATISLAVA, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Team Finland registers a clear 3-0 win against France and returns to the top spot in Group A at 2019 World Ice Hockey Championship here on Sunday.
Finland's scheme for the match was clear - one period, one goal. Joel Kiviranta redirected Petteri Lindbohm shot through the goaltender's pads to open the score, Niko Mikkola stretched the lead to 2-0 early in the second and Jere Sallinen concluded the game with a top-shelf backhander from the slot.
Finland's goalie Kevin Lankinen made 21 saves on his shutout.
On Monday, the French will conclude their round robin battles against Britain, who comes back to the top pool for the first time in 25 years. The loser will be relegated from the elite category.
The Finns will get the chance to confirm their leading position in Group A against Germany on Tuesday.
