Canada advances to face U.S. in final at 4 Nations Face-Off after holding off Finland
CBC
Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon have a history of stepping up in big moments.
Stanley Cup finals. Tight playoff series. Game 7s where everything is on the line.
With the pressure mounting to deliver on a different stage Monday afternoon, Canada's dynamic offensive duo led the charge to help their country punch its ticket into the 4 Nations Face-Off final.
An old — and familiar foe — waits on deck.
McDavid and MacKinnon scored 46 seconds apart in the first period before the Canadians were forced to hold on late in a 5-3 victory over Finland that sets up a mouth-watering title game later this week against the United States in Boston.
"They set the tone right away," Canadian captain Sidney Crosby said. "That's what you need. Big plays from big-time players."
WATCH l Canada holds on to defeat Finland:
Brayden Point also scored in the opening 20 minutes before MacKinnon added another five minutes into the second. Crosby sealed it into an empty net after the Finns scored three times in the third. Jordan Binnington made 23 saves.
"We've got the best players in the world doing things they're probably not accustomed to for the benefit of our team winning hockey games," said head coach Jon Cooper. "You've got McDavid, MacKinnon, Crosby and all these guys dumping pucks and going and getting them.
"It was the way we had to play to win this game."
McDavid and Crosby chipped in an assist each for two-point performances. No. 1 defenceman Cale Makar (illness) returned to the lineup after a one-game absence. 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.
"Canada is a great team," said Finnish captain Aleksander Barkov. "Capitalized on our mistakes and played really well."
The U.S. faced Sweden later Monday in a matchup that didn't matter in the standings following Canada's regulation victory.
