Finland needs a win after what happened to them in their first game. For two periods, they were able to keep things close against the United States, including briefly holding a lead in the first period. However, the U.S. blitzed Sumoi for four goals in the third period to come away with a 6-1 win.

The two last faced each other in the IIHF World Championship in 2019. Finland defeated Sweden 5-4 in overtime in the quarterfinals and went on to win gold; Lankinen allowed four goals on 18 shots in that game, including one by Pettersson. “As of now we’re not teammates for a week,” Lankinen said. “But maybe when we get back, we’ll talk more.”

Both teams enter the matchup with knowledge of the historic rivalry but also know the importance of staying alive in the tournament.