2019 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships – Finland vs Sweden Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When does Finland vs Sweden start? Thursday 23rd May, 2019 – 19:15 (UK)
Where is Finland vs Sweden being played? Steel Arena, Slovakia
What television channel is Finland vs Sweden on in the UK? This match will be televised live on FreeSports (Sky channel 422)
Where can I stream Finland vs Sweden in the UK? This match cannot be streamed live in the UK
Where can I get tickets for Finland vs Sweden? https://www.iihf.com/en/events/2019/wm/static/6180/tickets
THE STATISTICS
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Last meeting: Sweden 2-1 Finland
THE TEAM NEWS
FINLAND
- Finland slipped up against Germany in their final round robin match of the 2019 IIHF World Championships and with that loss, the Finns cost themselves top spot in Group A with Canada leapfrogging them.
- The 4-2 defeat came as a bit of a surprise with Finland not performing to the same standard that has seen them impress throughout the tournament and the second-placed finish now sees the Finns have to face the reigning back-to-back champions.
- Finland have a fully-fit roster to choose from other than forward Eetu Luostarine who was ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury following the game with Great Britain last week.
SWEDEN
- Sweden ended their round robin fixtures with a loss against Russia which saw the defending champions drop to third place in the Group B table with five wins and two losses from their seven matches.
- The Swedes found it difficult against the unbeaten Russians and despite breaching their goal four times. which was more goals than Russia had conceded all tournament up until that game, they conceded seven themselves.
- Sweden have not had any issues finding the back of the net in the tournament with 41 goals so far which is the most in the competition but conceding 21 goals highlights their weakness with no other quarter-finalist conceding more.
THE PREDICTION
Finland have caught the eye with their young side perhaps being the surprise package of the competition with very few expecting them to progress to the quarter-finals with such a high seeding. The second-placed side in Group A will now face Sweden in a huge test of their credentials. Sweden are looking for their third straight world title but know they have a battle on their hands against the Finns who appear to be well-matched with them. This game could go either way but it could be a game too far for the young Finland side with Sweden’s experience potentially helping them edge this.
