Tkachuk brothers topple Suomi
Top Finnish players from the NHL took a 1-0 lead early halfway through the first period and developed glorious chances that either went wide or over the crossbar much to Team USA’s good fortune.
Even though Team USA took 13 SOG in the first period and scored three minutes into the second period for the 2-1 lead, the Americans did not appear to have this game “in-hand”.
It was not until Team USA head coach put the Tkachuk brothers together that the team began steamrolling the Finns, Matthew and Brady each scored twice with the older sibling collecting an assist as well.
Just 26 seconds into the third period the Americans score twice in 11 seconds to take a 4-1 commanding lead when a half a minute later the Tkachuk brothers score goal five with 17 minutes remaining in the game.
Matthew Tkachuk scored his second powerplay goal of the game to give Team USA the demoralizing 6-1 advantage as it was an impossible task for Team Finland to score five times in the last nine minutes of the game.
Saturday’s matchups now look promising to be an exciting and hard-fought battle for both contests.
Buffalo Winter 
I agree that the Americans did not appear to have this game “in-hand” and we half expected the final score to be closer.
How exciting for the Tkachuk family knowing that both sons essentially carried the U.S. team to victory.
Physicality in the game showed how serious players are taking the 2025 4 Nations Face-off.
I’m still giggly about Mitch Marner’s winning OT goal in the Canada vs. Sweden game the other night. 🙂
Thanks Buffalo Winter for the coverage.
Just as an aside, I actually like the uniforms of all four teams.
LikeLike
The final score unfortunately will overshadow Finland’s first two periods of strong play.
Exciting indeed for the Tkachuk family, and it would not be a conceit for their family to say Team USA might not have won without Matthew and Brady.
Yes, even the game announcers voiced the same opinion as you regarding the physical play and that this tournament is important.
Ah yes, RW Marner who by the way is on my FHL team, scored the OT winner for a raucous Montreal crowd that can be stingy with their cheering for players who don the blue & white.
Your welcome P_g, and I appreciate you taking the time to read my posts.
p.s. The sweaters are outstanding imho as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Marner is on my FHL team as well, along with William Nylander and (for now) Matthew Knies.
Currently we are watching the Sweden-Finland game which is 3-3 about to go into the third period.
LikeLike
Another good game, it is humorous to me to hear the fickle Montreal crowd cheer RW Marner but boo RW Nylander every time he touches the puck.
LikeLiked by 1 person