The 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Junior Championship is in full swing, and fans are eagerly awaiting the clash between Finland vs USA. Scheduled for 2:30 p.m. EST at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario, this matchup promises to be an exciting display of skill, determination, and drama.

Game Details

• Matchup: Finland vs. United States
• Time: 2:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
• Venue: Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa, ON
• TV Coverage: NHL Network (USA), TSN4 (Canada), Max (Finland), TV10 (Sweden), TV5 (Finland), Viaplay (Sweden), XSport (Ukraine)
• Live stream: Watch on Fubo

Team Analysis

Finland Finland enters this matchup seeking to build momentum after splitting their first two games in the tournament. Following a tough opening loss to host Canada, the Finns rebounded with a solid 3-1 victory over Germany. The team’s resilience will be put to the test as they face the high-powered American squad.

Petteri Rimpinen has been the starting goaltender for Finland, showing reliable performance between the pipes. On defense, Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Emil Pieniniemi has stood out with his strong play, even contributing a goal. To stand a chance against the United States, Finland will need to focus on disciplined, grind-it-out hockey, limiting the American offensive onslaught.

United States The United States enters the game as Group A leaders, having dominated their first two matches with a combined 15 goals against Germany and Latvia. The team’s offensive depth has been on full display, led by standout players such as Washington Capitals pick Cole Hutson and projected top overall draft pick James Hagens. Hagens, in particular, has wowed the Ottawa crowds with his dynamic play.

The Americans’ biggest challenge will be maintaining focus and not looking ahead to their marquee matchup with Canada. Against Finland, the U.S. must stay sharp and avoid falling into a defensive trap that could neutralize their speed and scoring ability.

Recent Form

United States

• Dec. 29, 2024: USA 15-1 Latvia (WCH)
• Dec. 27, 2024: USA 10-4 Germany (WCH)
• Dec. 24, 2024: USA 5-2 Finland (FI)
• Dec. 22, 2024: USA 6-2 Slovakia (FI)
• Aug. 4, 2024: USA 5-4 Canada (FI)

Finland

• Dec. 28, 2024: Finland 3-1 Germany (WCH)
• Dec. 27, 2024: Finland 0-4 Canada (WCH)
• Dec. 24, 2024: Finland 2-5 USA (FI)
• Dec. 21, 2024: Finland 6-0 Slovakia (FI)
• Nov. 10, 2024: Finland 0-2 Sweden (FI)

Head-to-Head Matchups

• Dec. 24, 2024: USA 5-2 Finland (FI)
• Aug. 1, 2024: USA 3-5 Finland (FI)
• Jan. 5, 2024: USA 3-2 Finland (WCH)
• Jan. 1, 2023: USA 6-2 Finland (WCH)
• Dec. 20, 2022: Finland 2-5 USA (FI)

Prediction This matchup is poised to be a compelling clash of styles. Finland will likely aim to slow the game’s pace, forcing the United States into a physical, defensive battle. If the U.S. manages to strike early, however, Finland may be forced to open up offensively, which could play into the Americans’ hands.

With their recent head-to-head dominance and offensive firepower, the United States is favored to come out on top. Expect a competitive game, but the Americans’ depth and skill should see them through.

Prediction: United States wins 4-2.