Beyond the Boxscore: United States revive free bird in one sided victory over Finland

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

By Flash Stevens

Feb 14, 2025, 10:15 ESTUpdated: Feb 14, 2025, 10:12 EST

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The United States found a gear and took off in a 6-1 trouncing of team Finland.

FIN: CF% – 38.89%|| SCF% – 26.88%|| HDCF% – 21.55%|| xGF% – 24.5%

USA: CF% – 61.11%|| SCF% – 73.12%|| HDCF% – 78.45%|| xGF% – 75.5%

It’s a Team Game – Team Finland did a good job at keeping things as close as they were through the first 40 minutes of the game. They were extremely physical and did not look ready to back down. At least until the start of the third period where Finland opened the floodgates, and the free bird was allowed to soar. In the end the United States earned a 16-5 advantage in high danger chances, never backed down from the physicality, and figured out the world can be a lot of fun if you let the Tkachuk brothers play on the same line. A clear USA advantage from puck drop.

Corsi King – Erik Haula (58.75 CF%) edged out Roope Hintz (57.87 per cent) for top honours amongst Finland. The United States had quite the wave oof attack after attack so anybody finishing with an advantage in shot attempts played some smart, structured hockey all night. Most of the team, however, failed to play up to the lofty expectations needed to combat the United States.

Jack Hughes (74.98 per cent) developed some nice chemistry with Auston Matthews (73.91 per cent). Yet in typical international fashion the third guy on the line is the one that scores. Jake Guentzel (71.46 per cent) and his multiple 40-goal seasons have always flown under the radar. We knew the Americans were building a load of talent, but nobody knew if everyone was going to accept their role on this team – everyone from the top line to Brock Nelson (68.53 per cent) played their heart out and bought into the bigger picture.

Under Pressure –

Taken By Chance – Just two players from Finland ended up with involvement in more than two high danger chances. The last-minute call-up Nikolas Matinpalo (50.81 SCF% || 44.86 HDCF%) and the newest Dallas Star in Mikael Granlund (37.38 per cent || 34.10 per cent). Also, one player ended up with a net zero result in high danger chances, which ends up as a win due to the goal he scored, and that was Henri Jokiharju (0 per cent || 0 per cent).

The Tkachuk brothers got put together mid-way through the second period and the rest was history. Matthew (85.05 per cent || 89.29 per cent) and Brady (77.40 per cent || 91.29 per cent) decided to make Jack Eichel (83.71 per cent || 89.29 per cent) have a nice easy night. They were aggressive in their ability to turn the puck over and immediately attack the other direction – right at the goalmouth of team Finland. Brady Tkachuk was involved in what may go down as a tournament high 10 high danger chances, Matthew and Eichel both had 8.

xG Breakdown –

xGF% – There is not much more positive to highlight from Finland except for the play of defenceman Niko Mikkola (15.70 per cent). He was a physical force all night long and held fort for as long as he possibly could before the Tkachuk brothers broke things wide open.

On the backend for team USA I was expecting Charlie McAvoy (77.02 per cent) or Adam Fox (82.07 per cent) to be the standout best guy. Then Zach Werenski (73.83 per cent) reminded me I need to throw some respect on his name, too. Werenski is having a Norris calibre year in Columbus as they navigate a very difficult season after the loss of the Gaudreau brothers earlier in the season. That passion was on display for the country who also happens to have a Gaudreau jersey hanging in their stalls as well. Tremendous performance from start to finish for the Americans.

Game Flow –

Game Score –

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USA-FIN Ratings Tkachuk Brother masterclass 🇺🇸

4:02 AM · Feb 14, 2025

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Shot Heatmap –

In The Crease – It’s going to take a heck of a lot more for teams if they want to beat Connor Hellebuyck. The Jets starting netminder is a bit of an enigma in net as he’s quite clearly the best netminder in the entire world and I’m not sure second is particularly close. He displays a swagger and confidence that backs up his play as well – something that fits right in with the immediate culture of the United States team. 1.25 expected goals against for Hellebuyck with the one early goal being his only handcuff. Saros faced 1.70 expected goals against (all at 5v5 SVA) and allowed four goals.

The Goals –