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Previewing USA-Finland in 4 Nations Face-Off: Stats, top players, key matchups
The 4 Nations Face-Off continues Thursday with the first matchup for the United States and Finland (8 p.m. ET, ESPN and ESPN+).
These countries have played six times in the eight previous best-on-best tournaments involving NHL players, according to ESPN Research. The U.S. has won four games, Finland won the most recent matchup (2004 World Cup of Hockey), and there has been one tie.
There are six sets of NHL teammates who will be playing against one another in this matchup:
Carolina Hurricanes: Jaccob Slavin (USA) vs. Sebastian Aho and Mikko Rantanen (FIN)
Dallas Stars: Jake Oettinger (USA) vs. Esa Lindell, Mikael Granlund and Roope Hintz (FIN)
Florida Panthers: Matthew Tkachuk (USA) vs. Aleksander Barkov, Anton Lundell, Eetu Luostarinen and Niko Mikkola (FIN)
New Jersey Devils: Jack Hughes (USA) vs. Erik Haula (FIN)
New York Rangers: Adam Fox, Chris Kreider, J.T. Miller and Vincent Trocheck (USA) vs. Urho Vaakanainen (FIN)
Ottawa Senators: Jake Sanderson and Brady Tkachuk (USA) vs. Nikolas Matinpalo (FIN)
Who are the key players and matchups to watch? What are the most important statistics heading into this contest? Read on for all of that, plus betting intel courtesy of ESPN BET, and picks on the game from Victoria Matiash.
United States vs.
Finland
Thursday, 8 p.m. ET | ESPN/ESPN+
Bell Centre (Montreal)
Betting intel
Moneyline: USA -360 | Finland +280
Game spread: USA -1.5 (-125) | Finland +1.5 (+105)
Total goals: Over 5.5 (-120) | Under 5.5 (even)
United States
This will be the 11th game the U.S. is playing in Montreal during an NHL international tournament. The country won Games 2 and 3 of the 1996 World Cup of Hockey Final in Montreal en route to winning the tournament. Of the 10 previous matchups played in Montreal, seven have come against Canada. The U.S. is 4-4 with two ties in 10 previous NHL international tournament games played in the city. The last time the U.S. played Finland in Montreal during an NHL international tournament was a 4-4 round-robin tie in 1981.
Team USA has the youngest average age roster in this tournament at 28.0 years old, and the heaviest roster, at an average of 203 pounds.
The Americans have four players who are leading their NHL teams in points: Kyle Connor (WPG, 69), Jack Eichel (VGK, 69), Jack Hughes (NJ, 65), Zach Werenski (CBJ, 59).
Matthew and Brady Tkachuk will be the fifth set of American brothers to play together at an NHL international tournament. The others are Derian and Kevin Hatcher in 1996, Aaron/Neal Broten in 1984, Brian/Joe Mullen in 1984 and Curt/Harvey Bennett in 1976.
Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (34 wins) has eight more wins than any other netminder in the NHL this season -- his U.S. teammate Jake Oettinger is second. The last goalie to have eight more wins than any other goalie was in 2015-16 when Braden Holtby (48) had eight more than Jonathan Quick (40). Hellebuyck has already tied a career high with six shutouts this season (2017-18 and 2019-20); he has almost as many shutouts (6) as regulation losses (7).
Finland
Finland has 29 combined gold medals and championships at international tournaments from players on the roster for this event (Olympics, World Championships, World Cup of Hockey, World Juniors and under-18 World Champ), which is second behind Canada's 31; 14 of those golds came from players winning the World Juniors. Finland has three players on this roster who won bronze at the 2014 Winter Olympics, the last Olympics that involved NHL players: Olli Maatta, Aleksander Barkov and Mikael Granlund.
In total, Finland medaled in four of the five Olympics that included NHL players, taking bronze in 1998, 2010 and 2014, and silver in 2006.
Finland has three 20-goal scorers this season: Mikko Rantanen (26), Artturi Lehkonen (22) and Roope Hintz (22). Lehkonen's 22 goals are already a single-season career high, passing the 21 he had in 64 games in 2022-23.
Sebastian Aho has scored 20 goals in each of his first nine seasons. The only Finnish players with longer streaks to begin an NHL career are Jari Kurri (13) and Teemu Selanne (11).
Rantanen's 1.09 career points per game is second-highest all time among Finnish players, behind only Kurri (1.12). The trio of Kurri (1.12), Rantanen (1.09) and Selanne (1.00) are the only Finns to average at least a point per game in their NHL careers (minimum 10 NHL games).
Juuse Saros has 117 wins since 2021-22, which is sixth in the NHL. Two of the five ahead of him are in this tournament: Connor Hellebuyck (USA) is first with 137, and Jake Oettinger (USA) is tied for second with Andrei Vasilevskiy at 128. Igor Shesterkin is fourth, with 127.
Picks for the game
Total goals under 5.5 (+115): Considering how superbly he's performed all season, Connor Hellebuyck -- the heavy Vezina Trophy favorite -- doesn't appear in position to concede many to a Finnish squad that's likely to rely on cohesive chemistry and stingy team defense to keep Game 1 tight. So that leaves us with the burning question of how badly, or not, does Finland starter Juuse Saros get lit up in Montreal against the high-powered Americans?
Perhaps not badly at all. Again, even without blue-line star Miro Heiskanen, Finland's defense -- including Esa Lindell, Niko Mikkola, Olli Maatta, and Jusso Valimaki -- will concentrate on stifling as many high quality chances as possible, helping out their array of two-way forwards.
Historically solid under pressure, the 29-year-old Saros will relish the opportunity to make something positive out of what's been the worst season of his career in Nashville. Guaranteed he's all over the idea of playing spoiler against an American squad that's expected to ruthlessly run over the tournament underdog.
Anytime goal scorer Kyle Connor (+220): Skating on a scoring line with center Jack Eichel and winger Matthew Tkachuk, as well as the secondary power play, the Jets sniper is going to find the back of the net this tournament. Prone to scoring in bunches, Connor is coming off a three-game drought heading into The 4 Nations Face-Off, which sets the table for an explosive start in Montreal. Again, skating on a line with Eichel is a convincing element here. -- Victoria Matiash
J.J. Watt to the Bengals? Bet on amid Burnley streak
English Championship club Burnley made history by keeping a 10th successive clean sheet on Wednesday -- a record that means part owner J.J. Watt might have to make good on a bet that he would make a shock NFL return with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Watt, the former All-Pro defensive end, shared a text conversation with Burnley's James Trafford in December where the goalkeeper, at the very start of the streak, asked the 35-year-old to unretire and join the Bengals.
Watt replied: "You don't allow a goal for the rest of the season and it's a deal." He captioned the post: "This is starting to become a bit of a concern..."
Burnley haven't conceded a goal since that message was shared and on Wednesday became the first club in England's second-tier to keep 10 straight clean sheets after beating Hull City 2-0.
The former Premier League side are third in the table, three points off the automatic promotion places. There are 14 games left in the season.
After sharing the record on social media, Watt posted, "I mean I do love Graeter's and Montgomery Inn BBQ," referencing two famous Cincinnati food institutions.
Watt retired from the NFL in 2022 after 12 seasons, starting with the Houston Texans before joining the Arizona Cardinals. A former first-round draft pick, he was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2012, 2014 and 2015.
Record Breaking!
First team in Championship history to keep 10 straight clean sheets.
Unbelievable.#UTC https://t.co/lKZWT9dtal
JJ Watt (@JJWatt) February 12, 2025
Watt bought a minority stake in Burnley a year after his retirement. The Lancashire club take on Preston North End next on Saturday.
Barça's Deco on Yamal future: 'There is no price'
Barcelona sporting director Deco has said "there is no price" for teenage sensation Lamine Yamal as the player's long-term future lies with the Catalan club.
Yamal, 17, is one of the most exciting young talents in world football and has already won the Kopa Trophy and the Golden Boy award as Europe's best player under the age of 21.
"There are key players, and he is [one]," Deco said of Yamal to TV3.
"There is no discussion, there is no price. There have been no offers because we didn't even want to talk about it."
Barça president Joan Laporta claimed in October that the club had rejected an offer worth 250 million ($270m) for Yamal after the player helped Spain win Euro 2024.
Since making his first-team debut as a 15-year-old in 2023, Yamal has become a regular for club and country.
"He will surely be at Barça for many years, like Pedri and Gavi ... They will [all] remain here," Deco said. "The club must do its homework, and he [Yamal] will be here for many years."
Barça midfield pair Gavi, 20, and Pedri, 22, recently extended their contracts until 2030. Yamal's deal expires in June 2026, the maximum allowed by law for minors.
The Spanish winger, however, revealed earlier this year that he will soon sign a new contract with Barça, "the club of my life."
Yamal is expected to put pen to paper on a contract until 2030 when he turns 18 on July 13.
His talent has drawn praise from five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, who believes Yamal will become "the best player of this new generation."
Deco, who played with Ronaldo for Portugal and alongside Lionel Messi at Barça, agrees Yamal is special.
"Yamal is one of the special ones," Deco said. "Not only does he have talent. He also has a different mental capacity."
Yamal has scored 11 goals and set up 14 more in 31 games for Barça this season.
Jewell ton, Owen cameo take Tasmania past Victoria
Tasmania 270 for 5 (Jewell 105, Owen 48, Wakim 44*, Sutherland 2-45) beat Victoria 266 for 9 (Rogers 68, Harper 50, Elliott 46*, Webster 2-41) by five wickets
In reply to Victoria's 266 for 9, Tasmania chased down the victory target with a whopping 57 balls to spare in Thursday's match.
Owen made headlines when he smashed 108 off 42 balls to lead Hobart Hurricanes to victory in the BBL final against Sydney Thunder in January. The 23-year-old was at it again on Thursday, thumping 48 off 19 balls to get Tasmania's run chase off to a flyer.
Victoria would have surged into second spot with victory over Tasmania, but instead dropped to fourth with only one round remaining before the March 1 final. The Bushrangers (13 points) are three points behind second-placed NSW (16 points), while Tasmania (11 points) are fifth.
NSW host Victoria in the final round in what shapes as effectively an elimination final.
Owen began Tasmania's run chase powerfully, with the home side none for 67 in the sixth over before he skied a catch to Harris.
Sairaj Bahutule appointed Rajasthan Royals' spin-bowling coach for IPL 2025
"Joining Rajasthan Royals again is a tremendous honour," Bahutule said in a release. "The franchise's commitment to nurturing talent and playing an exciting brand of cricket resonates with my own coaching philosophy. I am eager to work alongside Rahul [Dravid, head coach] and the rest of the coaching staff to develop our bowling attack and contribute to the team's success. Together, we aim to achieve great milestones in the forthcoming season."
After his stint with RR, Bahutule joined the National Cricket Academy as spin-bowling coach and was part of the support staff during multiple India A series. More recently, he was assistant to stand-in India head coach VVS Laxman when India toured Ireland for a T20I series. He was also India's bowling coach when they won gold at the Asian Games in 2023.
Bahutule has 633 wickets in first class cricket and ten wickets in T20s. He played two Tests and eight ODIs for India and has transitioned into a coaching career since.
"Sairaj's deep understanding of spin bowling and his extensive coaching experience make him an invaluable addition to our team," Dravid said. "His proven ability to mentor young bowlers aligns perfectly with our vision at Rajasthan Royals. Having worked with him before, I am confident that his insights and guidance will significantly benefit our players as we strive for excellence in the upcoming season."
Mo Bobat: 'Virat doesn't need a captaincy title to lead'
"Of course, Virat was an option and that goes without saying and I know that the fans would've probably lent towards Virat in the first instance, but we've seen a lot of love for Rajat too," Bobat said in an event in Bengaluru where Patidar was unveiled as the captain for IPL 2025. "Look, my point on Virat would be that Virat doesn't need a captaincy title to lead. I think leadership, as we've all seen, is one of his strongest instincts. I think it just comes naturally to him. He leads regardless."
Kohli led the RCB franchise from 2013 to 2021 before he stepped down from the role. He led the team for three matches in 2023 when regular captain Faf du Plessis was injured and played as an Impact Player.
Bobat was confident that despite Kohli not being the designated captain, Patidar would lean on him like his predecessor du Plessis did.
"Everybody in the country and everyone in the world knows that Virat's a leader in every sense of the word," Bobat said. "Andy [Flower, head coach] and I lean on him quite a lot. Faf has lent on him quite a lot and we're pretty sure that Rajat will be leaning on him too.
"Even last year with Faf as captain, we saw every bit of that. He leads as an example with the bat, the volume of runs and the strike rate that he scored at last year was so impressive and so important for us. He set the tone, he leads in the field. I can think of two or three specific instances where he's actually created run-out chances and wickets from nothing. Everyone in the field knows that they've got to be up to their standards because of him. He sets the tone with his energy. Everyone has seen how much he likes a fight and a scrap and how much he wants to be the person getting us over the line."
Bobat also said that Kohli was actively involved in discussions surrounding Patidar being named captain.
"Andy and I spent some time with Virat earlier this week actually in Ahmedabad and it was really nice getting some time with him and talking things through with him [about captaincy]," Bobat said. "And what was so obvious was he had so much energy and excitement for this decision and this appointment. He's so pleased for Rajat, like us. He knows how deserving Rajat is of this opportunity and is right behind him."
Kohli was front and centre of RCB turning their season around in IPL 2024. Having won just one out of their first eight games, RCB won six on the bounce to make a miraculous entry into the playoffs. While they went down in the eliminator, Kohli, with 741 runs in 15 innings, won the purple cap. "I think Virat's energy and motivation and drive is really something special to behold in a 36-year-old cricketer that's done everything in the game," Flower said. "I really respect him for it and it's great role modelling for the younger players and younger overseas players to come and work with him as well. It was nice to watch it from within the same dressing room last year.
"My experience with him, particularly in the first half of the last season when we were struggling and he was a huge part of turning that season around for us, in the way that he carried himself in his role modelling of how he works at the day and thinks about the day, that experience with him only made my respect for him grow. And I would say the same thing about our discussions over the captaincy of RCB coming season."
Patidar also said that having had plenty of good partnerships with Kohli over the years, he does not mind leaning on him for suggestions and that it would help him in his leadership role.
"It's a great opportunity for me to learn from one of the best," Patidar said. "I have had a lot of partnerships with him, so I think I know him very well. So yeah, his experience and his ideas will definitely help me in my leadership role."
Ashish Pant is a sub-editor with ESPNcricinfo
Rizwan: 'Babar still contributing valuably if you don't judge him by extreme expectations'
"Babar has scored so many runs for Pakistan that we expect him to score a hundred in each game," Rizwan said. "If we don't judge him by those extreme expectations, you'll find he's still chipping in and contributing valuably for us.
"As a captain, I expect a lot more of him too because of all he has done in the past. There is obviously an additional pressure because of it and I'm sure he feels that too. But if you look at his innings in South Africa, [he is still scoring runs]. It's not as if he has clear technical deficiencies, but he is still being tested. I am confident he'll come out of it."
"When Abdullah Shafique got out early in South Africa, Babar had to deal with the new ball anyway. He was coping with the seam and swing and enabling us to attack at the end. So, we thought why not go for our most technically solid player to open, rather than throwing someone else in at the deep end"
Mohammad Rizwan
"We have other players who can open if we need them to. Saim Ayub was a huge all-round blow for us, including in the field because he was one of our best fielders, opened the batting, and could bowl eight or so overs.
"His absence created a huge disturbance, and we went for the safety of Babar Azam, who's our best batter. At the top, if the ball swings, he can control it. When Abdullah Shafique got out early in South Africa, Babar had to deal with the new ball anyway. He was coping with the seam and swing and enabling us to attack at the end. So, we thought why not go for our most technically solid player to open, rather than throwing someone else in at the deep end."
ITTF African Cup 2025: Africas Heavyweights Descend on Tunis for ITTF World Cup Slots
The bustling capital of Tunisia, Tunis, is set to host Africas top table tennis players for the 2025 ITTF African Cup, a key qualifier for the ITTF Singles World Cup Macao 2025.
From February 25 to 27, the El Menzah Multi-Purpose Stadium will be the venue for this prestigious tournament, which boasts a $25,000 prize pool. Among the competitors are some of Africas finest, including the defending champions in Mens and Womens Singles, Nigerias Quadri Aruna and Egypts Dina Meshref.
This tournament promises an exciting mix of youth and experience, as young talents challenge seasoned players for tickets to Macao 2025. Notable stars like Aruna and Egypts Omar Assar will be competing, drawing all eyes to Tunis for three electrifying days. Assar, who has won the title more times than any other player in Africa, will face a formidable challenge against the star-studded lineup expected in the Tunisian capital.
Local favourite Wassim Essid will also be in action, showcasing his skills against top international players. The 2024 edition, held in Kigali, Rwanda, saw Aruna dominate in the absence of Assar, culminating in a decisive victory over Egypts Mohamed El-Beiali in the final.
Aruna will face tough competition from players like Abdel-Kabir Salifou of Benin Republic and Congo Brazzavilles Saheed Idowu, as well as Tunisias youthful duo of Essid and Myshaal Sabhi.
In the Womens Singles, Meshref, a six-time African champion, will defend her title against top-ranked African player Hana Goda and 2024 runner-up Mariam Alhodaby. Check out the full list of players here.
The tournament will determine the players who will represent Africa at the ITTF Singles World Cup in Macao, with semifinalists in the Mens and Womens Singles expected to secure their spots for the event in April 2025.
The tournament will kick off with the preliminary round on the first day, followed by the knockout stage over the final two days. Semifinalists will earn their tickets to Macao 2025, while the battle for the podium will climax the events in the Mens and Womens Singles. Besides the tickets to the ITTF Singles World Cup, players will also be aiming for ranking points from one of the continents elite tournaments.
Event Essentials:
- VENUE: El Menzah, Tunis
- DATE: February 25-27, 2025
- PRIZE MONEY: $25,000
- LIVESTREAM: ITTF Africa Youtube Channel
Ireland's depth 'pushing everyone forward' - Nash
Ireland wing Calvin Nash believes competition for places has been key to the side's strong start to the Six Nations.
Simon Easterby's side are top of the table with 10 points from 10 available after bonus-point wins over England and Scotland.
The Munster man scored his third Test try in Murrayfield as Ireland secured a 32-18 victory on Sunday.
He had sat out the win over England in round one of this year's competition, but came into the starting side to play Scotland after Mack Hansen was ruled out through injury.
The 27-year-old started every game of the championship last season, as well as both summer Tests in South Africa, but did not play a minute of four games in November.
"Being out of the squad is tough, especially when you're close and training the whole time with them," he said.
"Probably the start of the Six Nations as well, I wanted to put my best foot forward and try to get in and obviously there's a bit more disappointment not getting selected.
"But I think with this team, as long as the competition is pushing everyone forward and the team is going in the right direction, I can slot in or anyone can slot in. It's probably a good sign of the squad."
Nash scored twice in his province's Investec Champions Cup win before the Six Nations and was "confident" he could make an impact against Scotland despite only learning he would start late in the week.
"It's not my first game with the lads and the only thing you have to be over, really, is the moves. Other than that it's just about playing rugby in the system, you just slot in," he added.
"We all know the moves and that's your job. At the end of the day I knew I was travelling and if there was one injury I could have been in, so it's my job to just know everything and slot in.
"I've been confident in my ability being on the pitch, and I suppose the lead up to this camp has given me massive confidence as well. I've just been backing myself a bit more."
HARTFORD, Ohio For the first time since 2017, the Super DIRTcar Series is heading back to the historic Sharon Speedway.
The Beasts of the Northeast return to the track run by NASCAR and dirt racing icon Dave Blaney on Monday, Aug. 11, for a $10,000-to-win event presented by Capital Renegade Custom Coaches. The highly anticipated race also offers a guaranteed starting spot in the Billy Whittaker Cars 200 (Oct. 11) at Oswego Speedway during Super DIRT Week 53.
Along with the event being the Series first time back at the three-eighths-mile dirt track in nearly a decade, itll also be the Series first time back to Ohio since 2019. When the Series last visited Sharon, Peter Britten, of Brisbane, QLD, scored his first career Super DIRTcar Series win.
Sharon is pretty cool racetrack, Britten said. Its really wide and seems to get really slick from top to bottom and has a little bit of a top and a little bit of moisture near the tires at the bottom. Its just a fun track to race on.
It was the scene of my first Super DIRTcar Series win, so obviously, the place is special to me.
Super DIRTcar Series veteran Jimmy Phelps also shared his excitement about returning to Sharon. The Baldwinsville, N.Y. competitor has four career starts at the facility, including three top fives and a Series triumph in 2016.
Its a top-notch facility, Phelps said. It always raced good. But in the last few years, theyve gotten a new surface, and now its even better.
Along with Capital Renegade Custom Coaches, the event at Sharon wouldnt be possible without the help of sponsors like Thermo Supply, Kings Sanitary Service, Russ King Racing, and King Bros. Ready Mix Concrete.
Joining the Super DIRTcar Series on the card will be the tracks 410 Sprint Car division, making it a jam-packed night of open-wheel action.
The Super DIRTcar Series also joins the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars and World of Outlaws Late Models as part of five major events at Sharon in 2025. The World of Outlaws Sprint Cars will run there May 24 and Sept. 27, and the World of Outlaws Late Models will be there July 11-12.
Sharons addition to the Super DIRTcar Series schedule brings the tour to 35 races in 2025, 10 Super DIRT Week Qualifiers and helps kick off a two-night swing through two states. After running at Sharon, the Series will make the trek to Ransomville Speedway for the Ron Martin Summer Nationals on Tuesday, Aug. 12.
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