hockey world is still buzzing about Saturday night’s intense,
fight-filled clash between Team USA and Canada.
Fans are eager for a rematch in the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game, but Finland has other plans.
On Monday afternoon in Boston, Finland will attempt to eliminate Canada and disrupt the anticipated USA-Canada showdown.
“We have great respect for Team Canada and their hockey history,” said Finland’s head coach, Antti Pennanen. “Winning against them would be a big achievement for us.”
Path to the Championship
While the U.S. has already secured its spot in Thursday’s final, the remaining three teams still have a chance to join them. If Finland or Canada win in regulation during their 1 p.m. ET matchup at TD Garden, they will advance. However, if the game goes to overtime or a shootout, Sweden could claim a spot in the final with a regulation victory over the U.S. in Monday night’s 8 p.m. ET game.
A Finland win in any fashion would eliminate tournament favorite Canada from contention.
Boston Crowd on Finland’s Side?
With the game taking place in Boston, Pennanen is hopeful that the crowd will rally behind Finland as they take on Team USA’s biggest rival.
“The support has shifted in our favor here in Boston. I hope we have the home crowd behind us,” he said.
Meanwhile, Finland’s players are aware of the anticipation surrounding a potential USA-Canada rematch. Saturday’s 3-1 U.S. win over Canada in Montreal featured three fights within the first nine seconds, setting the stage for high tensions. Forward Erik Haula recalled watching the start of that game with his family.
“I had my 1-year-old on my lap and handed my 4-year-old the phone to watch,” Haula said with a laugh. “Suddenly, there were three fights in nine seconds, and I was like, ‘Hey buddy, what’s going on here?’”
Finland Embracing the Underdog Role
Being an underdog is nothing new for Finland, a team that often flies under the radar in international tournaments before making deep runs.
“Finland is always that team people don’t fully appreciate until they’re in the final,” said Canada’s head coach Jon Cooper. “They have NHL stars just like everyone else. The difference is, Canada carries massive expectations. But expectations don’t win games—you have to perform. And I think our team has done that well.”
Finland isn’t concerned with playing spoiler. For Haula and his teammates, the focus is solely on their own performance.
“We don’t see it that way,” Haula said. “This is just a great opportunity to play against a top team. It’s a challenge, and we’re ready to meet it head-on and play our best game of the tournament.”
Goaltending and Lineup Decisions
Finland opened the tournament with a tough 6-1 loss to Team USA but rebounded with a thrilling 4-3 overtime win against archrival Sweden on Saturday. Vancouver Canucks goalie Kevin Lankinen, who made 21 saves against Sweden, will start against Canada.
Canada, meanwhile, has yet to confirm its starting goalie. Coach Cooper has not revealed whether St. Louis Blues netminder Jordan Binnington will play his third straight game or if backup Adin Hill of the Vegas Golden Knights will get the nod.
Canada Awaits Makar’s Status
A major question for Canada is the availability of star defenseman Cale Makar, who missed the USA game due to illness. The Colorado Avalanche standout said he will decide on Monday morning whether he’s fit to play.
“I have to do what’s best for myself and make sure I’m ready for the rest of the season,” Makar said. “It’s a tough decision, but an important one.”
Finland’s Strategy
Coach Pennanen believes Finland proved in its first two periods against the U.S. that it can compete with elite teams like Canada.
“It will be a similar type of game to what we played against the U.S.,” he said. “We need to stick to our system, slow them down, and stay disciplined.”
As the tournament’s underdog, Finland is no stranger to defying expectations. Now, they have the chance to do it again—and shake up the 4 Nations Face-Off in the process.
