Team USA did not just survive its toughest early test at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup — it took over the game late. The Americans beat Finland 4-1 on Tuesday, August 4, in Edmonton, moving to 2-0 in Group B and putting real pressure on the rest of the tournament field.
Finland stayed within one goal through two periods, but the U.S. turned the third into a statement. Ethan Sung scored twice, including the go-ahead goal early in the final frame, while Joey Cullen and Becker Wenkus added insurance. Wenkus’s empty-netter finished the push, but the tone had already changed before Finland pulled its goalie.
Goaltender Mason Courville was just as important. He stopped 26 of 27 shots, keeping the Americans steady while Finland generated 28 shots of its own. That balance matters because the U.S. was not dominant from the opening faceoff. It was composed, efficient and much sharper when the game tightened.
- 🇺🇸 Record: 2-0 in preliminary play
- 🔥 Ethan Sung: two goals
- 🧱 Mason Courville: 26 saves on 27 shots
- 📈 Team USA has scored 10 goals in two games
The result also changes the conversation around the defending champions. After opening with a 6-4 win over Czechia, the Americans now have wins against two very different opponents: one physical and chaotic, the other structured and dangerous. That is the kind of early tournament range NHL scouts notice.
Team USA closes its preliminary schedule against Germany on Wednesday. If the Americans handle that matchup, the pressure shifts from “Can they defend the title?” to “Who in this group is equipped to stop them?”