USA reaches world hockey semifinals

BERN, Switzerland, May 6 (UPI) -- Robert Esche made 49 saves Wednesday and three second-period goals gave the United States a 3-2 quarterfinal win over Finland at the World Hockey Championship.

The Americans ended an eight-game winless streak against the Finns dating back to the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City. Finland eliminated Team USA in the world championship quarterfinal round in 2004, 2007 and 2008.

Wednesday's victory in Bern, Switzerland, set up a rematch between the United States and Russia in the semifinals Friday. Russia defeated the Americans 4-1 in the second round-robin phase of the tournament last Saturday.

Russia had a tougher-than-expected time in downing Belarus 4-3 in the opening quarterfinal contest Wednesday.

Thursday's quarterfinals will send Canada against Latvia and Sweden against the Czech Republic.

After Finland outshot the United States 20-7 in a scoreless first period, Niko Kapanen gave the Finns a 1-0 lead just 57 seconds into the second.

Dustin Brown, T.J. Oshie and Ryan Suter then scored unanswered goals for the American and Esche made the lead stand up.