3 Takeaways from Finland's 3-1 win over Germany – Hockey Writers – World Junior Hockey Championship

Finland outlasted Germany, 3-1, in a thrilling Group A clash at the Canadian Tire Center to earn its first win at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship. The Nordic nation was stunned by Germany last year, 4-3, ending the Germans' 25-game losing streak against their northern neighbors in this prestigious hockey tournament.

Despite the loss and 0-2 record, Germany played better against Finland than in their first outing against Team USA. Group A does not have easy matchups, as evidenced by Latvia's impressive 3-2 victory over Canada, which ended yesterday's day in Ottawa.

Speed ​​Leads to Goals for Both Teams

Finland and Germany used their skating to create scoring opportunities in the second half. More than five minutes into the middle frame, Finland doubled their lead, 2-0, on an Arttu Alasiurua goal. Finland hit the offensive blue line with speed, allowing the line of Jessi Nurmi, Tuomas Uronen, and Alasiurua to complete three passes that ended up in the back of the German net – speeding into the zone created passing lanes that Finland used successfully. The game was challenged for offsides, but the ice officials upheld the goal.

Getting in shape🫡 Arttu Alasiurua boosts Finland by ✌️! #GERFIN #WorldJuniors #IIHF @leijonat pic.twitter.com/nbfLP3GfCD

– IIHF (@IIHFHockey) December 27, 2024

After killing Finland, Germany got a quick answer with striker Clemens Sager's score to make it 2-1. Just like Finland's second goal, Germany skated past the blue line quickly, opening up space and creating traffic for Sager's shot to go past the worthy Finnish goalkeeper, Petterri Rimpinen.

Finland Shuts Out Germany In Third Period

Despite a strong attack from Germany, Finland held strong in the third period before forward Jesse Kiiskinen, drafted by the Nashville Predators, closed the game with an empty net goal to complete the score, 3-1. It almost came down to an empty net as Germany striker Simon Seidl found himself alone in front of the Finnish net but could not find the space under the pads for the combination.

Related: Guide to the 2025 World Junior Championship

After chasing the game against Canada, it was important for this group of Finnish players, including Buffalo Sabers forward Konsta Helenius, to maintain their advantage despite Germany's strong attack in the final minutes.

Opportunity Available for Group A After Canada's Loss

Following Canada's defeat last night in Ottawa, the other teams in Group A can look to the standings with excitement. The host country is still leading the table with a record of 1-0-1-0 and four points following the defeat. The United States are in second place with three points and have a sudden thriller against fourth-placed Latvia this afternoon. Finland is in third place following their victory over fifth-placed Germany.

After yesterday's result, Latvia will bring the same mentality to their crucial battle with the USA, looking to secure the first place in the WJC knockout round. The coach of Latvia, Artis Abols, understands that the task is not easy when we face the USA team tonight. “We found a way to slow them down (in Canada),” said the Latvian bench manager. “It means a lot to us… and it doesn't mean anything because two points are nothing in themselves. We need two more. Today (Friday night), we are happy, but tomorrow we play the same level of opponent, so we have to start preparing.”

The United States and Latvia have a game in hand on the field. Each team has only played one game in this tournament. This will be settled as one of only two games on Saturday in Ottawa. Sunday features a full slate of games, including two Group A games – Finland vs. USA and Canada vs. Germany.

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