Team USA caught fire during the third period of Thursday's 4-Nations Face-Off clash against Finland. Heading into the final period up 2–1, the United States doubled its tally with a pair of rapid fire goals from Matthew Tkachuk and Jake Guentzel just 11 seconds apart.

A fast-moving Mikael Granlund gave Henri Jokiharju a slot-line pass that forced Connor Hellebuyck to move from right to left. But Hellebuyck had plenty of time to shuffle across his crease, set his feet and get square to Jokiharju.

In the end, it was less of an escape than it was Team USA putting its foot down in a 6-1 victory to open its 4 Nations Face-Off, boosted by a dominant third period from both Tkachuk brothers, Brady and Matthew. But it was not so simple, not so easy and not nearly as convincing as the final score suggested for the pre-tournament favorites.