Best on Best hockey is back for the first time since the 2016 world cup of hockey. With each nation having one game left, which one has the best shot of winning it all? Which one has the worst chance? This is what I think, here are my power rankings:

4-Finland (0-1-1-0, 2 points)

While it is not over for Finland, their odds of winning the 4-nation tournament are slim. Thus far They have played teams USA and Sweden and have a record of 0-1-1-0. In the game vs the US they were able to hang in with them most of the game. Through two periods they limited the US to two goals and were only down by one. However, in the third period the defense completely collapsed, as they gave up a bunch of high danger scoring chances and 4 goals. In the game against Sweden, Finland put together an impressive performance, defeating Sweden 4-3 in overtime off of a goal by Mikael Granlund on a two on one odd-man rush. Despite their win against Sweden, keeping them alive in the tournament, my confidence in them is low. Their roster is the weakest of the four nations. While they have several good forwards such as Sebastian Aho, Roope Hintz, Mikko Rantanen, and captain Aleksander Barkov I believe the defense holds the team back the most. Finland lacks high end puck moving defenseman, which makes it a lot harder for Finland to get the puck out of their zone leading to them getting hemmed in more often. It has negatively affected the offense because you need defensemen that can transition well from defense to on the rush. It also makes it easier for offenses to beat the defense with speed. To win the tournament they will need to beat both Canada in regulation and USA in the final and they are very outmatched by both teams. However, there are some positives. They play good team defense, they have a great starting goaltender in Juuse Saros, and they are tied with Canada and Sweden. A win against Canada in regulation would clinch their spot in the championship game even if Sweden beats the US in regulation because Finland has the tiebreaker. Finland would also advance if they won in overtime and Sweden either loses the game or wins in overtime. 

3-Sweden (0-0-0-2, 2 points)

Sweden has a far better chance at beating the US in the finals than Finland has, however Canada has a better chance at making it to the championship game, meaning they are at three for me. Thus far they have played Canada and Finland. Sweden had a very positive showing against Canada despite them losing in overtime. The team showed a lot of resilience, coming back from 3-1 in the 3rd period. Against Finland, Sweden could have done better. While it was an even game, I think Sweden is the better team and should have been able to get a win. While they might have a better chance of winning than Finland does, their chances of making it to the championship game are poor. First, they need the Canada/Finland game to be decided in overtime. If the game is decided in regulation, the best Sweden can do is tie with them, and Sweden does not have the tiebreaker against either team. If the game goes to overtime, Sweden has to beat the US in regulation to make the championship game. Sweden’s odds of beating the US are good. The US have already clinched the championship game, therefore they do not have anything to play for. Sweden will likely face USA’s backup goalie Jake Oettinger and Matthew Tkachuk is not playing. If the Finland vs Sweden game goes to overtime, I do like Sweden’s odds.

2-Canada (0-1-1-0, 2 points)

Coming in at two I have Canada. Thus far in this tournament they have played Sweden and the US. In the Sweden game Canada got off to a good start but then struggled in the third period giving up two goals and letting Sweden come back. However, they were able to secure the win off of a goal scored by Mitch Marner in overtime. In the game vs the US they played a good defensive game, and did not give up many high scoring chances. However, their one goal was not enough to beat the US. I am confident in Canada’s ability to win the tournament. They did a very good job limiting the US’s scoring chances. While they’re not scoring at a super impressive rate, their lineup is so skilled, I am confident the goals will come. To make it to the championship game they have to beat team Finland in regulation. They can also move forward by winning in overtime if Sweden wins in overtime or loses the game to the US.

1-USA (2-0-0-0, 6 points)

This tournament has gone just about as good as it could have for the US. First they blew Finland out  6-1 scoring six unanswered goals. They did an impressive job shutting Canada’s offense down. They are the only team that has clinched their spot in the championship game, they are undefeated, and they have looked good doing so. They have such a balanced roster and phenomenal goaltending in Connor Hellebuyck. I can easily see the US winning the championship game, and they are the favorite to do so.