The match between Finland and the USA in the 2025 Four Nations Tournament will take place on February 14 at the Bell Centre in Montreal. Finland vs. USA: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Finland
In the last similar tournament in 2016, Finland finished last in Group B, losing all their matches in regular time. However, Finland has generally shown solid results in the 21st century, winning the World Championship gold three times and triumphing once at the Olympic Games. Notably, in 2022, the team won both tournaments.
- The team has scored at least two goals in regular time in 7 of their last 8 head-to-head meetings at the World Championships.
- Finland has not lost the first period in 7 of their last 8 head-to-head encounters at the World Championships (4 wins, 3 draws).
- No more than five goals were scored in regular time in 5 of Finland's last 6 World Championship matches.
Finland Lineup
One of the standout players for Finland is captain Aleksander Barkov, the best two-way center forward, known for his smart defensive play. This season, he is the third top scorer for the Florida Panthers, with 48 points (13+35). Another key player is Mikko Rantanen, currently among the top ten scorers in the NHL, who is likely to join Barkov on the first line. Also noteworthy is Patrik Laine, one of the most talented players on the team, who has just recovered from an injury, making his condition for the tournament uncertain.
The Finnish defense line has suffered a setback with the absence of Miro Heiskanen, a key defensive player. However, the team boasts strong goaltenders, with Juuse Saros likely to be the primary choice, having won the starting role with the Nashville Predators and being one of the most talented Finnish goalies.
USA
At the 2016 World Cup, the USA, like Finland, failed to win any games, suffering three losses in regular time. Notable achievements for the USA in the 21st century include Olympic silver medals (2002, 2010) and five World Championship bronzes. It's worth noting that the USA has not won a major tournament for over 40 years, and in the last three years at the World Championships, the team has not even reached the podium.
- The USA scored no more than two goals in regular time in 6 of their last 8 head-to-head meetings at the World Championships.
- At least six goals were scored over three periods in 7 of the USA's last 10 World Championship games.
- The team conceded no more than one goal in regular time in 4 of their last 5 World Championship games.
USA Lineup
The competition in the USA's offense will be intense. One of the team's leaders is Auston Matthews, who is likely to lead the first offensive line. Known for his powerful shot, Matthews has 43 points this season (20+23). Notably, three USA players are currently among the top ten NHL scorers: Jack Hughes, Jack Eichel, and Kyle Connor. Matthew Tkachuk is also a key player, ranking as the second top scorer for the Florida Panthers this season (19+32).
The USA's defense is also strong, featuring the reigning Norris Trophy winner Quinn Hughes and one of the top-scoring defensemen in the league, Zach Werenski. Connor Hellebuyck is expected to be the starting goaltender, leading the NHL's best goalie list with a 2.04 goals-against average and holding the current Vezina Trophy.
Finland vs. USA: Match Prediction
Finland may not have the strongest lineup for this tournament, but the team usually relies on a solid system rather than star power. Finland's strength in the upcoming tournament is likely to be their cohesion, as many players have played together at different times, setting them apart from other teams in the Four Nations Tournament. However, this factor may not help them in the opening game, considering the opponent's lineup.
In my opinion, the USA could surpass even Canada in this tournament if they utilize their full arsenal effectively. The USA has a very strong lineup, and if they don't reach the final, it would be a failure, as such a team should only aim for gold.
Additionally, the USA has won in regular time in 4 of their last 5 World Championship matches, while Finland has lost after three periods in 3 of their last 5 World Championship games. Confident in the USA's victory, my prediction: USA to Win
Juuse Saros
Kevin Lankinen
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
Esa Lindell
Juuso Valimaki
Niko Mikkola
Nikolas Matinpalo
Urho Vaakanainen
Artturi Lehkonen
Erik Haula
Joel Armia
Kaapo Kakko
Mikael Granlund
Mikko Rantanen
Teuvo Teräväinen
Jani Hakanpää
Rasmus Ristolainen
Connor Hellebuyck
Jeremy Swayman
Brock Faber
Noah Hanifin
Zach Werenski
Brock Nelson
Dylan Larkin
Jake Guentzel
