Canada survives late scare in win over Finland, now faces USA in 4 Nations final

Canada survived a late scare to beat Finland 5-3 in Boston on Monday.

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.

“They set the tone right away,” Canadian captain Sidney Crosby said of the superstar forwards.

Brayden Point also scored in the opening 20 minutes before MacKinnon added another five minutes into the second. 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. faced Sweden later Monday in a game that didn’t matter in the standings following Canada’s regulation victory.

The Americans beat their northern neighbour 3-1 in Montreal on Saturday in a physical affair, accented by a frenetic start that saw three fights inside the first nine seconds, on the way to clinching a berth in Thursday’s final.