Wins over Germany and Hungary had set Finland up nicely for a meeting with the United States, and a comfortable 6-2 win over the reigning champions ensured they stayed perfect ahead of facing a Latvia side who had won one of their three matches so far.
However, the Finns were in for an early shock, as Latvia broke the deadlock after just 10 seconds when Aleksandar Barkov was too casual in possession behind his own goal, allowing Sandis Valmanis to steal the puck and knock it back for Rudolfs Balcers to score.
But Finland regained their composure and were level again five minutes later when a Henri Jokiharju strike from the left was saved, only for the puck to ricochet up for Hannes Bjorninen to volley into the net.
From then on it was plain sailing for Leijonat, and though Latvia survived the first powerplay following interference by Arturs Andzans, the conceded again within seconds of getting back to full strength when Patrik Puistola played the puck into Jokiharju's path and this time there was no stopping his shot.
Inside the final five minutes of the opening period, Finland added some breathing space when Bjorninen sent Saku Maenalanen away and clear, and he made no mistake with the finish to make it 3-1.
Barkov began the second period badly as well, as he was called for tripping in the first minute, but eight minutes later the advantage was extended - this time it was Maenalanen's turn to turn provider, setting the puck back for Waltteri Merala to bury.
A flurry of late penalties at the end of the second period resulted in Latvia beginning the third period two players down, and Finland made use of the 5-on-3 as Barkov finally enjoyed a positive opening minute to a period, as he set up Mikael Granlund for a shot, which was saved, but Anton Lundell pounced on the rebound.
Getting one man back wasn't enough for the Latvians, who conceded another powerplay goal less than 30 seconds later - Mikko Lehtonen's shot didn't make it through the crowd, but that's where Puistola was waiting to poke it home.
And in the sixth minute of the final period, the Nordic side added a seventh when the arriving Aatu Raty had his shot saved by new goaltender Gustavs Grigals, but he followed in to collect his own rebound and score.
Four two-minute penalties against Finland - two conceded by Lundell - in the final 14 minutes slowed the momentum, but a resounding 7-1 victory for Antti Pennanen's side puts them on the brink of Quarter-final qualification, though they remain second in the table behind Switzerland on goal difference.
Latvia stay sixth, two points behind the all-important fourth place, and next up they play the side occupying that place, USA, on Saturday 23rd. Finland return to the ice on Friday 22nd to face outsiders Great Britain.
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