Finland Makes Major Decision Regarding Goalie Kevin Lankinen Ahead of Tonight's Matchup Vs USA

The 4 Nations Face-Off got underway in Montreal last night with a big overtime win for Canada and today, Kevin Lankinen and Team Finland are set to take on the United States.

Finland took to the ice yesterday in Montreal for practice as they prepared for their tournament opener at the Bell Centre tonight and head coach Antti Pennanen spoke with the media afterwards to announce his starting netminder.

Despite having a strong season to this point in Vancouver, Kevin Lankinen was not named Finland's starting goaltender for tonight's game, as Pennanen announced that Juuse Saros of the Nashville Predators will be between the pipes.

Pennanen told reporters that they have three very good goaltenders on their roster, but Juuse Saros' experience earned him the nod for Thursday's game.

Nashville has struggled this season despite making some big off-season additions, but Juuse Saros has done his best to try and keep their heads above water, with 4 of his 11 wins this season coming via a shutout.

For Kevin Lankinen, he's been rock solid for the Vancouver Canucks and while he was probably a little disappointed that he won't be starting tonight, it wouldn't be a shock to see him in the crease for Saturday's Nordic battle with Sweden.

Lankinen has just one international tournament under his belt in his career, which came at the 2019 IIHF World Hockey Championship where he was lights out leading Finland to the gold medal with a 1.50 GAA, a .942 save percentage and two shutouts.

Puck drop for tonight's game between Finland and the United States is set for 5 pm PT (8 pm local) and can be viewed nationally across Canada on Sportsnet.

Source: NHL.com
Saros named starter for Finland against United States at 4 Nations