3 Takeaways From Finland's Shutout Loss to Canada – Hockey Writers – World Junior Hockey Championship

A 3-0 loss to the home nation is not a good start for a Finnish team that is looking to return to the medal table for the first time since winning a silver medal in Edmonton in 2022. Their last two appearances disappointed the Finnish fans with just outside the field – they finished fifth in 2023, a slight improvement on last year's fourth place finish.

Related: Guide to the 2025 World Junior Championship

While finding offensive silverware in a tournament loss is difficult, Finland can get the best out of a 4-0 loss. Another positive is its young goalkeeper, who played well against strong competition. The Finnish team did not stop in the competition, firing 20 shots on Carter George in the final frame.

With tough competition in Group A stacked up, Finland must bounce back quickly against Germany before the big game against Team USA this weekend. Germany played well despite losing 10-4 to the Americans to open their tournament in 2025. Due to a two-week schedule fade, both teams jumped back into competition on Friday.

Petteri Rimpinen Strong in Loss

Finland's 6-foot puck-stopper, Petterri Rimpinen, denied 37 shots from Team Canada to allow his team to stay in the game at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Canadiens overwhelmed the Finnish team with a 17-6 advantage in shots in the first half, with Rimpinen allowing just one goal in the opening frame. With Finland pressing and trailing by two goals, left-back Rimpinen denied Colorado Avalanche hopes Calum Ritchie's between-the-legs shot attempt:

Calum Ritchie goes between the legs but Petterri Rimpinen comes up with a save!#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/VpXz7etxrp

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 27, 2024

Eligible goaltender has not allowed a goal in each period but still finished with a .930 save percentage (SV%) in the loss. Canada scored the game's final empty-net goal to make it 4-0 in the final minutes of the third period. After the game, Rimpinen praised his goalie teammate on the other side of the ice. “George played well,” Rimpinen told the media after the loss. “So I hope we get a goal early in the next game … that will take the pressure off.”

Finland Shows Fight in Third Period

The Nordic country showed determination, trailing by two goals in the third period by directing 20 pucks into their opponents' net. Finland was helped by some sloppy play from Canada, which led to many power play opportunities for the Dallas Stars' Emil Hemmig and Finland's special teams unit. Although they finished the contest 0-for-5 on the man advantage, that kind of live play from the power play unit could be a boon for Team Finland as the World Junior Championship continues.

Back in Action on Day 2

One of the best parts of WJC action is the consistent program in team play. Finland doesn't have long to dwell on the first-day loss to Canada, with an afternoon clash with Germany scheduled for Friday. That puck will hit the ice for the first time less than 24 hours after the start of last season's game against Team Canada, making rest and recovery a priority for Finland.

After allowing 10 goals to the United States in their opener, Germany could give Finland a chance to find its touch after losing the shutout. Nico Pertuch, Germany's starting goaltender, stopped 46 shots, which was only good for an .820 SV% against the Americans. If Finland can match its shooting volume from the third period against Team Canada, it could set itself up for a few trips with a fist-pumping celebration following a Finnish goal.

The first round of the Buffalo Sabers Konsta Helenius and Finland (0-1) and Germany (0-1) in the first important battle of Group A as the first game of the day at the Canadian Tire Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 3:30 PM EST at the home of the NHL's Ottawa Senators.

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