The 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Junior Championship is delivering thrilling moments, and the highly anticipated clash between Finland and the United States promises to be another electrifying encounter. Scheduled for 2:30 p.m. EST at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario, this game is set to showcase the best of international junior hockey.

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 crucial matchup looking to build on their mixed results so far in the tournament. After an opening loss to host nation Canada, they bounced back with a solid 3-1 victory over Germany. This resilience will be tested against the high-powered American squad.

Key players for Finland include goaltender Petteri Rimpinen, who has been a reliable presence between the pipes, and defenseman Emil Pieniniemi, a Pittsburgh Penguins prospect whose defensive strength and goal-scoring capability have stood out. To succeed, Finland must rely on disciplined, grinding hockey to neutralize the Americans’ offensive firepower.

United States

The United States comes into the game as Group A leaders, having dominated their first two matches with a combined 15 goals against Germany and Latvia. Their offensive depth, led by standout talents like Washington Capitals prospect Cole Hutson and projected top overall draft pick James Hagens, has been a highlight of the tournament. Hagens, in particular, has dazzled fans with his dynamic play and goal-scoring prowess.

The key for the U.S. will be maintaining focus and avoiding complacency, especially with a marquee matchup against Canada looming. Against Finland, the Americans must stay sharp and avoid falling into a defensive trap that could limit their scoring chances.

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 set to be a clash of contrasting styles. Finland will aim to slow the game’s tempo and turn it into a physical battle, while the United States will look to utilize their speed and scoring depth. If the Americans strike early, Finland may be forced to open up offensively, which could play into the U.S. team’s hands.

Given their recent dominance in head-to-head meetings and overall offensive prowess, the United States is the favorite to emerge victorious. Expect a competitive game, but the Americans’ depth and firepower should see them through.

Prediction: United States wins 4-2.

How to Watch

Fans can catch the action on the following channels:

• USA: NHL Network
• Canada: TSN4
• Finland: Max, TV5
• Sweden: TV10, Viaplay
• Ukraine: XSport