Canada returned to the ice on Monday for the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off after their loss to the USA, securing a 5-3 victory against Finland. With the USA already clinching six points, they are set for the championship game on February 20, making their upcoming match against Sweden a mere formality. Both Canada and Finland entered this game with two points each, having each won one and lost one in the tournament. Sweden, despite being 0-2, managed to earn two points by losing both of their games in overtime.
Understanding that a win over Finland was essential for a chance at a rematch against the USA, Canada’s stars stepped up to ensure victory. Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid each scored two goals, leading the team to triumph. Brayden Point contributed with a goal during a dominant first period where Canada outscored Finland 3-0, and Sidney Crosby sealed the win with an empty-net goal after Finland’s late-game push.
McDavid opened the scoring for Canada, replicating his performance against the USA. His unassisted goal came as he skillfully maneuvered and fired a low wrist shot past Finland’s Juuse Saros, who was replaced by Kevin Lankinen early in the second period after MacKinnon netted his second goal of the night, extending Canada’s lead to 4-0.
Finland showed some resilience in the third period, with Esa Lindell scoring their first goal of the tournament, but it seemed too late as it came with just 6:41 remaining. Mikael Granlund then scored two quick goals in 23 seconds while Finland had an extra player on the ice due to an empty net, narrowing the score to 4-3. Despite dominating the match, Canada found themselves needing to defend their lead.
Just moments after Granlund’s second goal, Crosby fired an empty-net shot to confirm Canada’s victory, setting the stage for a potential revenge match against the USA on Thursday night.
