Tkachuk brothers propel Team USA to win over Finland in 4 Nations Face-Off opener

MONTREAL — For Team USA, it was a poor start and a grand Finnish. 

The Americans looked like they were in trouble early, letting up the opening goal and allowing Finland to control the tempo through two periods Thursday night. 

In the end, it was less of an escape than Team USA putting its foot down in a 6-1 victory to open its 4 Nations Face-Off, boosted by a dominant third period from both Tkachuk brothers, Brady and Matthew, joined together on a line by coach Mike Sullivan.

But it was not so simple, not so easy and not nearly as convincing as the final score suggested for the pre-tournament favorites. 

This game hung in the balance until early in the third when Juuse Saros let in a pair of soft goals that allowed Team USA to turn it into a rout — and a regulation win that means volumes in this short format.

Still, the Americans had better hope their last 20 minutes are much more indicative of what they can do on this best-on-best stage than their first 40.