Former Chicago Blackhawks goalie Kevin Lankinen will take over the Finnish net at the 4-Nations Face-Off.
In Team Finland's first game of the 4-Nations Face-Off, they started Juuse Saros of the Nashville Predators. It was the logical choice as he's been one of the best goalies in the NHL over the last half-decade or so.
In 2024-25, however, things have been miserable for Saros and the Predators. It's a year they'd all like to scrap and forget that it ever happened.
As far as Finnish goaltenders go, former Chicago Blackhawks and current Vancouver Canucks goalie Kevin Lankinen has had a significantly better year.
Lankinen started the year as Vancouver's backup but an injury to Thatcher Demko forced them to play him more. To say he's taken advantage of the opportunity would be an understatement.
In that first game of the tournament where Saros started, Team USA dominated Saros and Finland to the tune of a 6-1 victory.
The Finnish went to Lankinen in their second game against their biggest rival, Team Sweden. To the shock of the entire hockey world, Finland defeated Sweden in overtime. Lankinen did just enough to help his team get the win.
At that point, it became clear that the Finnish would be better off starting their winning lineup. That means keeping Lankinen in the net.
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet confirmed that Finland would be going with Lankinen against Team Canada on Monday afternoon.
Canada is a big challenge for the Finnish as they are for everyone but they are putting their best foot forward with this decision.
Finland can make it to the championship game if they beat Canada and Team USA beats Sweden so they are going to give it their all.
Chicago wasn't in a place where they could realistically develop Lankinen when they had him. He was with the organization at a bad time for both him and them.
Vancouver also isn't the first team he's been on since leaving Chicago. He was Saros' backup in Nashville in between so that tandem has been together before.
Lankinen has since developed into a guy worthy of starting for his country in a best-on-best international event. His biggest test still lies ahead.
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