Austria vs Finland Preview & Prediction | 2025 IIHF Men’s Ice Hockey World Championship | Group Stage

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The opening match of the 2025 IIHF Men’s Ice Hockey World Championship sees Austria take on Finland in Stockholm.

Start date/time: Friday May 9th 2025: UK – 3:20pm / US ET – 10:20am / US PT – 7:20am

How to watch on TV: UK – Not Televised / US – NHL Network

How to watch online: UK – IIHF.TV / US – NHL Network digital platforms

Austria vs Finland prediction

Finland took part in the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off earlier this year, losing against both United States and Canada, but winning in overtime vs Sweden. Chicago Blackhawks forward Teuvo Teravainen is a survivor from that squad who will feature herem whilst there is further NHL representation in the form of Nashville’s Juuse Saros and New York Rangers’ Juuso Parssinen.

Austria’s squad is made up predominantly of domestic players from the likes of Red Bull Salzburg and the Vienna Capitals. Black Wings Linz are also well represented and this team is expected to be well organised and could surprise a few over the course of this group stage. However, Finland are a stronger all-round unit and are worth backing to claim victory.

Austria vs Finland tip: Finland to win