Five weeks ago, the United States beat Finland to win a second consecutive gold medal at the world junior hockey championship.
Thursday night, those countries’ NHL players will meet in their opening game of the 4 Nations Face-Off.
Though it’s early in the tournament, every game is critical. Each team plays three games and the top teams advance to the championship game. Canada has two points and Sweden has one after Canada’s 4-3 overtime win in their opener. The USA-Finland winner would get three points if it’s a regulation win.
‘These games, to me and my team, is as big as it gets for us,’ USA forward Matthew Tkachuk told reporters. ‘We’re talking four Game 7s.’
Both teams had injuries on defense before the tournament, with the USA losing Quinn Hughes and Finland having to replace Miro Heiskanen, Rasmus Ristolainen and Jani Hakanpaa.
Here’s what you need to know about the USA vs. Finland game and the full schedule at the 4 Nations Face-Off:
When is 4 Nations Face-Off USA vs. Finland?
The United States and Finland will play at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday at Montreal’s Bell Centre.
How to watch 4 Nations Face-Off USA vs. Finland
The USA-Finland game will be broadcast on ESPN.
How to stream 4 Nations Face-Off USA vs. Finland
Sling, Fubo and ESPN+ carry ESPN and ABC games.
USA vs. Finland goaltending matchup
The USA will go with two-time Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck in net while Finland will use Juuse Saros.
4 Nations Face-Off schedule, TV
(Times p.m. ET)
Wednesday, Feb. 12: Canada 4, Sweden 3 (OT)
Thursday, Feb. 13: USA vs. Finland at Montreal, 8, ESPN
Saturday, Feb. 15: Finland vs. Sweden at Montreal, 1, ABC
Saturday, Feb. 15: USA vs. Canada at Montreal, 8, ABC
Monday, Feb. 17: Canada vs. Finland at Boston, 1, TNT
Monday, Feb. 17: Sweden vs. USA at Boston, 8, TNT
Thursday, Feb. 20: Championship game at Boston, 8, ESPN
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