Finland Falls 4-1 To Team North America

TORONTO – As it turns out, the kids are all right.

In a game that featured many of the next generation of Finnish hockey stars, it was Team North America —comprised of the best 23-and-under American and Canadian players — that put its best, young foot forward.

Pegged as the entertaining, “it” team of the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, Team North America played the role to a tee, out-shooting and possessing Finland for the full 60 minutes at light-speed pace.

“Of course we know how they play,” Finland head coach Lauri Marjamaki said. “We started off well. … The second period was a cold shower for us. They got better, they won every battle, they skate hard, they are so aggressive. … Such a great team.”

It was a tough assignment for the new-look Finland. This morning, longtime Finnish defenseman Kimmo Timonen said he was interested in how his newest crop of blue liners would handle such an early challenge.

“They were tough to play against,” Nathan MacKinnon said. “Our speed wore on them as the game went along. They played a good first period and we just got some good breaks.”

Likewise, the Minnesota …

continue reading in source wild.nhl.com