Connor McDavid weighs in on Team Canada’s near collapse against Finland at 4 Nations

NHL: 4 Nations Face Off-USA vs Canada - Source: ImagnAssistant Captain Connor McDavid talked about Team Canada almost losing their 4-0 lead to Finland (Credits: IMAGN)

Connor McDavid shared his thoughts after Canada’s 5-3 win over Finland at the 4 Nations Face-Off on Monday.

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McDavid scored the opening goal for Canada in the first period. Nathan MacKinnon’s brace and Brayden Point’s strike gave the team a healthy 4-0 lead entering the third period. However, Canada nearly blew its advantage, conceding three goals in the third and having to stave off a fierce Finland fightback. Sidney Crosby settled the nerves with an empty net goal in the final minute.

McDavid said Canada did a good job managing the clock for most of the game. However, he recognized that the game got close toward the end.

“Ugly, ugly way to end the game,” McDavid commented. “For sure, closer than we would have liked. But I thought for about, you know, 16 minutes, 15 minutes, I thought we did a great job just kind of, you know, wasting time and but it got close for sure. You know, big goal at the end there by seven.”

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Jordan Binnington made 23 saves for Canada. Finland goalie Kevin Lankinen was pulled in the second period after allowing four goals on 13 shots. Juuse Saros replaced him and stopped all 14 shots he faced.

Canada will face the United States in the final looking to avenge its 3-1 earlier in the tournament.

Connor McDavid set the tone for Team Canada early on

Canada advanced to the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game with a 5-3 win over Finland. Connor McDavid scored at 4:13 of the first period, giving Canada a 1-0 lead. McDavid intercepted a pass and scored with a wrist shot from the left circle.

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Nathan MacKinnon made it 2-0 just 46 seconds later, finishing a quick shot to the blocker side after a pass from Sam Reinhart. Brayden Point extended the lead to 3-0 at 13:02, scoring on a rebound from a Travis Sanheim shot.

In the second period, MacKinnon made it 4-0 with a one-timer off Sidney Crosby’s pass at 5:03. Finland pulled goalie Kevin Lankinen after he allowed four goals on 13 shots, with Juuse Saros stepping in.

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Finland responded in the third period. Esa Lindell scored at 13:19 to make it 4-1. Mikael Granlund scored two quick goals, cutting Canada’s lead to 4-3.

With just 56 seconds remaining, Sidney Crosby found the net to secure the victory.