In an electrifying showdown at the Bell Centre in Montreal, the USA and Finland clashed in a high-stakes hockey game that kept fans on the edge of their seats. From the first drop of the puck, both teams displayed incredible skill and determination, setting the stage for an unforgettable battle on the ice.
The Tkachuk brothers were in top form, leading the charge for the USA, while Finland’s defense and goaltending showcased their resilience. With every goal and save, the intensity of the game only grew, making it a thrilling spectacle for all who watched.
Team Lineups
United States (USA)
Line 1: Goalie: Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg Jets), Defense: Charlie McAvoy (Boston Bruins) (A), Zach Werenski (Columbus Blue Jackets), Forwards: Matthew Tkachuk (Florida Panthers) (A), Jack Eichel (Vegas Golden Knights), Kyle Connor (Winnipeg Jets)
Line 2: Defense: Adam Fox (New York Rangers), Jaccob Slavin (Carolina Hurricanes), Forwards: Jack Hughes (New Jersey Devils), Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs) (C), Jake Guentzel (Tampa Bay Lightning)
Line 3: Defense: Brock Faber (Minnesota Wild), Noah Hanifin (Vegas Golden Knights), Forwards: Matt Boldy (Minnesota Wild), J.T. Miller (New York Rangers), Brady Tkachuk (Ottawa Senators)
Line 4: Forwards: Dylan Larkin (Detroit Red Wings), Vincent Trocheck (New York Rangers), Brock Nelson (New York Islanders)
Finland (FIN)
Line 1: Goalie: Juuse Saros (Nashville Predators), Defense: Esa Lindell (Dallas Stars), Niko Mikkola (Florida Panthers), Forwards: Mikko Rantanen (Carolina Hurricanes), Aleksander Barkov (Florida Panthers) (C), Artturi Lehkonen (Colorado Avalanche)
Line 2: Defense: Henri Jokiharju (Buffalo Sabres), Olli Maatta (Utah Hockey Club), Forwards: Patrik Laine (Montreal Canadiens), Sebastian Aho (Carolina Hurricanes) (A), Roope Hintz (Dallas Stars)
Line 3: Defense: Niklas Matinpalo (Ottawa Senators), Urho Vaakanainen (New York Rangers), Forwards: Mikael Granlund (Dallas Stars) (A), Anton Lundell (Florida Panthers), Eetu Luostarinen (Florida Panthers)
Line 4: Forwards: Joel Armia (Montreal Canadiens), Erik Haula (New Jersey Devils), Teuvo Teravainen (Chicago Blackhawks)
Period 1
In an intense matchup between the USA and Finland, the game started with a penalty for Finland’s Joel Armia for cross-checking at 02:34. Finland took the lead at 07:31 with a goal from Henri Jokiharju, assisted by Mikael Granlund and Olli Maatta.
The USA quickly responded at 10:21 with a goal from Brady Tkachuk, assisted by Matt Boldy and Zach Werenski. Shortly after, Noah Hanifin of the USA was penalized for tripping at 11:44, concluding the first period with a 1-1 tie.
In the first period, the USA took seven shots on goal compared to Finland’s 13. The USA had a shooting percentage of 14.29% (1/7), while Finland’s was 7.69% (1/13). The USA blocked two shots, whereas Finland blocked five. USA’s Connor Hellebuyck made 12 saves with a save percentage of 92.31% (12/13), while Finland’s Juuse Saros made six saves with a save percentage of 85.71% (6/7). Both teams had a penalty each, resulting in two penalty minutes (PIM) per team. Neither team scored on the powerplay, with both having a powerplay percentage of 0% (0/1). Both teams successfully killed their penalties, with a penalty killing percentage of 100% (1/1). The USA had six hits compared to Finland’s 13. In faceoffs, the USA won 11, while Finland won 14, giving the USA a faceoff percentage of 44% and Finland 56%. The USA had six giveaways and no takeaways, while Finland had eight giveaways and three takeaways.
The first period set the tone for a competitive game, with both teams scoring once and demonstrating strong defensive plays. The USA’s quick response to Finland’s opening goal kept the game balanced, while the penalties and high number of shots on goal highlighted the intensity of the matchup.
Period 2
The second period saw Finland’s Niklas Matinpalo receive a boarding penalty at 07:19. The USA then took the lead at 17:04 with a goal from Matt Boldy, assisted by Brock Faber and Kyle Connor.
As the period was about to end, Olli Maatta of Finland was penalized for hooking at 19:57, setting the stage for an eventful third period.
In the second period, the USA had six shots on goal while Finland had seven. The USA’s shooting percentage was 0% (0/6), while Finland’s was 14.29% (1/7). Both teams blocked five shots each. USA’s Connor Hellebuyck made six saves with a save percentage of 85.71% (6/7), while Finland’s Juuse Saros made six saves with a save percentage of 100% (6/6). The USA had two penalties resulting in four penalty minutes (PIM), while Finland had none. Neither team scored on the powerplay, with the USA having a powerplay percentage of 0% (0/2) and Finland 0% (0/0). Both teams successfully killed their penalties, with a penalty killing percentage of 100% (2/2) for the USA and 100% (0/0) for Finland. The USA had eight hits compared to Finland’s 15. In faceoffs, the USA won eight, while Finland won 13, giving the USA a faceoff percentage of 38.1% and Finland 61.9%. The USA had seven giveaways and two takeaways, while Finland had four giveaways and one takeaway.
The second period saw the USA take the lead, capitalizing on Finland’s penalty. Despite a lower shooting percentage, the USA’s defense and goaltending were solid, preventing Finland from equalizing. The period ended with a crucial penalty against Finland, setting up a pivotal third period.
Period 3
The USA dominated the third period, starting with a powerplay goal from Matthew Tkachuk at 00:15, assisted by Zach Werenski and Jake Guentzel. Just 11 seconds later, Jake Guentzel scored another goal, assisted by Auston Matthews and Jack Hughes, making it 1-4. Brady Tkachuk scored his second goal of the game at 03:00, assisted by Jack Eichel and Matthew Tkachuk, extending the lead to 1-5.
At 04:03, both Adam Fox of the USA and Sebastian Aho of Finland received roughing penalties. Zach Werenski was penalized for tripping at 04:33, followed by Joel Armia of Finland receiving a roughing penalty at 10:13. The USA sealed their victory with another power play goal from Matthew Tkachuk at 11:13, assisted by Zach Werenski and Jack Eichel, making the final score 1-6.
In the third period, the USA had eight shots on goal while Finland had 12. The USA’s shooting percentage was 0% (0/8), while Finland’s was 33.33% (4/12). The USA blocked 5 shots, while Finland had none. Both goalkeepers made eight saves each, with the USA’s save percentage at 66.67% (8/12) and Finland’s at 100% (8/8). Both teams had two penalties resulting in 4 penalty minutes (PIM) each. The USA scored two powerplay goals, while Finland had none. The USA’s power play percentage was 100% (2/2), while Finland’s was 0% (0/2). The USA had two hits compared to Finland’s four. In faceoffs, the USA won eight, while Finland won 11, giving the USA a faceoff percentage of 42.11% and Finland 57.89%. The USA had 10 giveaways and no takeaways, while Finland had three giveaways and two takeaways.
The third period was certainly decisive, with the USA dominating both offensively and defensively. The USA’s power play efficiency and strong goaltending sealed their victory, while Finland struggled to keep up. The USA’s ability to capitalize on power play opportunities and maintain defensive pressure was key to their success.
Final Score
Team USA defeated Finland with a final score of 6-1.
Goalie Stats:
Connor Hellebuyck (USA): 60:00, 20 saves on 21 shots, 95.20% save percentage
Juuse Saros (FIN): 60:00, 26 saves on 32 shots, 81.30% save percentage
Stars of the Game:
First Star and Player of the Game: Brady Tkachuk (USA)
Second Star: Matthew Tkachuk (USA)
Third Star: Connor Bedard (USA)
Key Players by Ice Time
- Esa Lindell (FIN): 24:31
- Niko Mikkola (FIN): 21:34
- Olli Maatta (FIN): 20:57
- Aleksander Barkov (FIN): 20:48
- Jaccob Slavin (USA): 20:55
It was an impressive performance by the USA, especially in the third period, with the Tkachuk brothers leading the charge. Their relentless effort and teamwork were key factors in securing this decisive victory. The USA’s dominance in the final period showcased their skill and determination, making it a memorable game for the fans.
Looking ahead, Finland will face Sweden next at the Bell Centre on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET. The USA will take on Canada later that same day at 8 p.m. ET. The final round-robin games will see Finland playing Canada on Monday at 1 p.m. ET, and the USA facing Sweden at 8 p.m. ET. The top two teams from the round-robin stage will then compete in the championship game on Thursday, February 20, at 8 p.m. ET.
Discover more from Inside The Rink
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
