Devils' Forward Eliminated From 4 Nations Face-Off

Team Finland has been eliminated from the 4 Nations Face-Off Monday afternoon.

It was a high-stakes elimination game for New Jersey Devils forward Erik Haula and Team Finland on Monday afternoon at the 4 Nations Face-Off against Team Canada. 

"It is a great challenge for us," Haula told reporters on Sunday. "We are going to face it head-on and play our best game of the tournament. It is all our focus is."

Finland entered the game with an overtime victory over Team Sweden and a regulation loss against Team USA to start the tournament. To advance to the Final on Thursday night, Finland had to beat Canada in regulation. 

After 60 minutes, Haula's team lost 5-3 at TD Garden in Boston and was eliminated. Canada received goals from Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon (2), Brayden Point, and Sidney Crosby. Finland's starting goaltender, Kevin Lankinen, allowed four goals on 13 shots and was pulled after 25 minutes. Juuse Saros made 14 saves on 14 shots in relief. 

Finland scored three goals in the final six minutes of the third period. Esa Lindell and Mikael Granlund (2) both beat opposing goaltender Jordan Binnington. 

Haula played 11:57 on Monday, centering the fourth line with Joel Armia and Artturi Lehkonen on his wings. The 34-year-old finished the game with two shots on goal. He led all Finnish forwards with three hits. 

New Jersey will practice Tuesday afternoon at RWJBarnabas Health Hockey House in Newark. On Saturday night, the Devils will return to action, hosting the Dallas Stars. 

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