The USA defeated Finland 4-3 in overtime at the 2025 WJC Final. Nashville Predators second-round pick Teddy Stiga scored the game-winner in overtime, bringing home the American team's second-straight gold medal.
Brandon Svoboda, James Hagens and Cole Hutson got the other tallies for Team USA. Meanwhile, Emil Peininiemi, Jesse Kiiskinen, and Tuomas Uronen got the goals for Finland.
So, here’s a look at the three reasons why the United States defeated Finland in overtime at the 2025 WJC Final.
3 reasons why USA won over Finland in OT at 2025 WJC Final
#3 The United States dominated the game
It was evident that the 2025 WJC Final belonged to the United States. While the Finns held their ground well, the Americans outshot and outplayed Finland throughout the game.
The Americans had a 40-24 advantage in the shot column, keeping the Finns on their heels all night. Finnish netminder Petteri Rimpinen deserves a ton of credit for making 36 saves, particularly in overtime, as the American onslaught aimed to win the game.
Overall, the USA played to win, avenging an earlier 3-4 loss during the round-robin portion of the tournament.
#2 Augustine played a solid game
US netminder Trey Augustine, a Detroit Red Wings second-round pick from 2023, played a solid game. Augustine made 21 saves on the night but held the fort down the stretch.
In particular, Augustine was solid as the American side came back to tie the game after being down 1-3 in the second period. His solid goaltender skills in the third made the difference, sending the game into overtime.
In overtime, Augustine made two solid saves, giving USA a chance to come back the other way, winning the game on a beautiful stretch pass, followed by a stunning breakaway goal from Stiga.
#1 Teddy Stiga’s OT winner
Teddy Stiga’s winner came on the heels of several good scoring chances by the American squad. Specifically, the stretch pass from Zeev Buium of the Minnesota Wild that hit a steaking Stiga allowed the American forward to slide the puck past Rimpinen in the five-hole.
The goal was worth the highlight reel, capping off a fantastic tournament for the USA. Meanwhile, Finland played a strong game, pushing the US to the brink.
Team Finland gets a much-deserved silver medal, though it’s a minor consolation prize for a team poised to pull off another upset.
With the 2025 WJC Final in the books, both teams will look ahead to next year’s tournament, hoping to claim the gold.