Five takeaways from 4 Nations Face-Off battle between Team USA and Finland

If Finland can replicate some of its defensive play against rival Sweden, it'll have a good chance at picking up a key three points. However, as the game went into the third, Finland struggled to keep up with the United States.

Finland's lack of defensive depth hurt

Finland went into the tournament with a very lackluster defense core after star defenseman Miro Heiskanen was unable to play due to injury. When Jani Hakanpaa also dropped out with an injury, the Senators' Nikolas Matinpalo had to step in, despite having just 22 games of NHL experience.

With this lack of depth on the blue line, Finland was overwhelmed by the United States' explosive offense in the third period, leading to the lopsided result. With these struggles defensively, it could spell trouble for the Finns late in games.

Team USA wants to play physical

The United States set the tone early, throwing some big hits on the forecheck to create a handful of turnovers.

The Americans recorded 32 hits to the Finns' 16, eight of which came from Brady Tkachuk. With this physical play, the United States was able to disrupt Finland's breakout and make it tough for its defensemen to move the puck. Against a skilled Canadian team, the U.S. will need to bring that physicality when the teams play on Saturday.

The United States' explosive offense can score quickly

The United States went into the third period leading Finland, 2-1, but quickly put the game out of reach with three goals in the period's first three minutes. The explosive offense dominated the Finns, who had no answer to the Americans' speed and skill. 

The goals tilted the ice in the favor of the United States, giving it plenty of momentum and confidence in the offensive zone. If it can get on a roll against Canada and Sweden, it will be tough for its opponents to stop.

The Tkachuk brothers are taking over

Matthew and Brady Tkachuk contributed to over half of the United States' offense, each scoring two goals. Matthew was named player of the game and also chipped in an assist on Brady's second goal.

After a bit of a lackluster start, head coach Mike Sullivan switched up his forward lines, putting Matthew and Brady together alongside Jack Eichel. This line dominated the game and could be key to counter Canada's elite forward group. If the Tkachuks continue to play like this, look for the United States to have a lot of success.

Finland will play its next game against Sweden on Saturday (1 p.m. EST, ABC); the United States will matchup later that day against Canada (8 p.m. EST, ABC).