Canada Defeats Finland, Reaches 4 Nations Face-off Final Against U.S.

Summary:

• Canada defeated Finland (5-3) on Monday, reaching the 4 Nations Face-Off final, where they will meet the U.S.
• Canada’s early lead was possible with goals from Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Brayden Point. 
• The final is expected to be an intense rematch following their previous physical encounter in the tournament.

Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid and Colorado Avalanche’s Nathan MacKinnon are both known for their capacity to deliver exactly when it matters most, be it intense playoffs, Stanley Cup Finals, or nerve-wracking Game 7s. 

On Monday afternoon, with a trip to the 4 Nations Face-Off final on the line, they delivered once again, spearheading Canada’s victory over Finland. Now, an all-too-familiar opponent awaits them in the championship.

5-3 Win Sends Canada Into Game Against the US

McDavid and MacKinnon wasted no time setting the tone, scoring just 46 seconds apart in the first period. Their early offensive surge proved crucial as Canada held off a late push from Finland to secure a 5-3 win. 

The stage is now set for a highly anticipated showdown against the United States later this week.

37-year-old Canadian captain Sidney Crosby said

They set the tone right away. That’s what you need. Big plays from big-time players.

Brayden Point also found the back of the net in the opening frame, while MacKinnon added another goal early in the second period. 

Crosby sealed the win with an empty-netter after Finland mounted a comeback with three third-period goals. Goaltender Jordan Binnington made 23 saves to help preserve the victory.

Cooper: “It Was the Way We Had to Play to Win This Game.”

We’ve got the best players in the world doing things they’re probably not accustomed to for the benefit of our team winning hockey games. You’ve got McDavid, MacKinnon, Crosby, and all these guys dumping pucks and going and getting them. It was the way we had to play to win this game.

Head coach Jon Cooper added. 

McDavid and Crosby each recorded an assist, while Cale Makar returned to the lineup after missing a game due to illness. Sam Reinhart had a standout performance with three assists.

Mikael Granlund, with two, and Esa Lindell scored for Finland. Kevin Lankinen allowed four goals on 13 shots before being pulled in favor of Juuse Saros, who made 14 saves.

“Canada is a great team“, said Finnish captain Aleksander Barkov. “Capitalized on our mistakes and played really well“.

The U.S. previously beat Canada 3-1 on Saturday in a physical contest, setting up a thrilling rematch in Thursday’s final.

“Both teams got to know each other pretty well, pretty quickly“, Crosby said. “It’ll be a great challenge“.

“There’s a lot of pride at stake“, said U.S. coach Mike Sullivan, who described it as a celebration of the popular sport on ice.

Will Canada get their revenge on their old foe? Or Will the US have the last laugh? Get all latest live odds during the final and before we our selected bookmakers.