2019 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships – Russia vs Finland Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When does Russia vs Finland start? Saturday 25th May, 2019 – 14:15 (UK)
Where is Russia vs Finland being played? Ondrej Nepela Arena, Slovakia
What television channel is Russia vs Finland on in the UK? This match will be televised live on FreeSports (Sky channel 422)
Where can I stream Russia vs Finland in the UK? This match cannot be streamed live in the UK
Where can I get tickets for Russia vs Finland? https://www.iihf.com/en/events/2019/wm/static/6180/tickets
THE STATISTICS
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Last meeting: Russia 1-3 Finland
THE TEAM NEWS
RUSSIA
- Russia continued their unbeaten run at the 2019 IIHF World Championships as they overcame the United States to progress to the semi-finals and are within touching distance of a fifth medal in six years.
- The Russians were 4-3 winners over the USA with Russia holding on despite a late scare after the Americans pulled themselves to within a goal with just under three minutes remaining but could not find a leveller.
- Russian forward Yevgeni Dadonov is tied at the top of the goalscoring chart with seven goals in the competition so far whilst Nikita Kucherov has chipped in with 16 points, just two behind leader William Nylander of Sweden who will not be adding to his tally after Sweden were eliminated.
FINLAND
- Finland’s superb tournament continued as their young side ended Sweden’s two-year reign as champions as the Finns won in dramatic fashion to eliminate the Swedes from the competition.
- With Sweden 4-3 ahead with 89 seconds of the contest remaining, Marko Anttila tied the game before Sakari Manninen fired in a superb winner to fire the young Finns into the semi-finals.
- Manninen’s winner rounded off a brilliant performance in which he also provided three assists which saw him become Finland’s top points scorer in the tournament so far with 10 but they will have to be clinical against the Russians and the best defensive unit in the tournament.
THE PREDICTION
Russia made it eight consecutive wins as they beat the USA in their quarter-final but now face the dangerous Finns after they ended Sweden’s hopes of three successive World Championships. Finland’s exciting side played some great stuff but will have to take their chances against the Russians. Russia’s strong defence has softened over their last two games and will need to wary of the threat that Finland offer and whilst the Russians should edge the game, it would not be a surprise if Finland were able to overturn them.
