PRAGUE, Czechia — One of the marquee matchups in the group stage of this year’s IIHF Men’s World Championship is set to take place on Saturday, as Canada takes on Finland.
It has been an interesting tournament for Canada. Despite having won each of its first five games, they have not necessarily been the dominant force that many expected them to be. The Canadians only beat Great Britain by two, Norway by three, and needed overtime to take down Austria on Tuesday after blowing a 6-1 lead. Nevertheless, they are still one of three undefeated teams remaining, currently tied with Czechia for first in Group A.
Connor Bedard still leads Canada with five goals and an assist.
Finland is looking to be back on the winning track after a disappointing 3-2 loss to the Austrians on Thursday. It was the Finns’ first regulation loss in Prague, and first defeat since falling in a shootout to Czechia last Friday. Yet, thanks to wins over Norway and the British, Finland is still in the running for the quarterfinals, sitting fourth in the group, three points ahead of fifth-place Austria.
Oliver Kapanen leads the tournament with six goals.
Finland (2-1-1) vs. Canada (4-0-0)
When: Saturday, May 18
Time: 10 a.m. ET
Where: Prague Arena (Prague, Czechia)
Channel: NHL Network
Stream: FuboTV (Free Trial), Sling, DirecTV Stream