4 Nations Face-Off: Finland survives elimination in OT thriller against Sweden

After a tough third period against the United States, Finland regrouped; Head coach Antti Pennanen went with Vancouver Canuck Kevin Lankinen in net after Juuse Saros started the game prior, a move that paid off as Lankinen stopped 21 of 24 shots, including two in overtime.

Captain Aleksander Barkov was excellent as well, scoring the game-tying goal towards the end of the second period while also playing 19:50, second among forwards.

For Sweden, it's another disappointing loss in international play. Over the past five World Championships, Sweden has just one medal (bronze, 2024). Now, the loss leaves them sitting in fourth place as they face the United States on Monday (8:00 p.m. EST, TNT) in a must-win game. 

Sweden coach Sam Hallam will also have a decision to make regarding his goaltending, as Filip Gustavsson, who played against Canada and started the game against Finland, was pulled after one period (two stops on four shots). Ottawa Senators goalie Linus Ullmark replaced him, stopping 15 of 17 shots.

With the win, Finland showed that despite the odds, their team-oriented and defensive style of play can win them big games. They'll head into their final matchup versus Canada on Monday (1:00 p.m. EST, TNT), still alive with two points.

Following the round robin, the two teams with the highest point totals will advance to the championship game on Thursday, Feb. 20 (8:00 p.m. EST, ESPN).