San Francisco Frontiers - Canada down Finland to set up USA ice hockey grudge clash

Two days after suffering a bruising 3-1 defeat to the USA in a chaotic clash in Montreal on Saturday, Canada ensured they will now have a chance to avenge that loss against the Americans in Thursday's final in Boston.

Saturday's first meeting between Canada and the US descended into mayhem within seconds of the puck being dropped, with three fistfights breaking out in the first nine seconds.

That tumultuous opening came after Canada's home fans had drowned out the US national anthem with a cacophony of boos -- reflecting the bitter political tensions between the two neighbors following US President Donald Trump's threat to impose tariffs on Canadian goods.

Trump has also repeatedly called for Canada to become the "51st state" of the United States, and routinely refers to Canada's outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as "Governor Trudeau."

Canada had needed a win in regulation against the Finns at Boston's TD Garden on Monday to be certain of reaching Thursday's final.

That outcome was all but guaranteed after first period goals from Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon and Brayden Point fired Canada into an early 3-0 lead.

MacKinnon doubled his tally after scoring in the second period to put Canada 4-0 up.

Finland pulled a goal back from Esa Lindell before a quickfire brace from Mikael Granlund made it 4-3 to set up a nervy finale.

But Canada star Sidney Crosby rifled a shot into an empty net in the final minute to give the Canadians a two-goal winning cushion.

C.Williams--SFF