Canada hangs on for 5-3 win over Finland, advances to 4 Nations Face-Off final

By Canadian Press on February 17, 2025.

BOSTON — Canada is off to the 4 Nations Face-Off final. An old — and familiar foe — waits on deck.

Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon scored 46 seconds apart in the first period, and Canada held on late to beat Finland 5-3 on Monday afternoon to set up a mouth-watering title game later this week against the United States.

Brayden Point also scored in the opening 20 minutes before MacKinnon added another five minutes into the second. Sidney Crosby scored into an empty net after Finns scored three times in the third. Jordan Binnington made 23 saves.

McDavid and Crosby chipped in an assist each for two-point performances. Canadian No. 1 defenceman Cale Makar returned to the lineup after a one-game absence due to illness. Sam Reinhart added three assists.

Mikael Granlund, with two, and Esa Lindell replied for Finland. Kevin Lankinen allowed four goals on 13 shots before getting the hook. Juuse Saros finished with 14 saves.

The U.S., which faced Sweden later Monday in a game that didn’t matter in the standings defeated Canada 3-1 on Saturday in Montreal. The rematch goes Thursday night in Boston.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 17, 2025.

Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press