Sochi Olympics Men’s Hockey Live Stream: United States vs. Finland for Bronze Medal; Preview, TV Schedule, Boxscores Information
The Sochi Olympics men's hockey competition enters the penultimate day on Saturday with the United States and Finland squaring off for the bronze medal following the teams' heartbreaking semifinals losses on Friday.
With the opportunity of winning the gold slipping through their fingers, the Americans shifted their focus to bringing home the bronze after failing to stop team Canada in Friday's semifinal clash.
Despite boasting a group of highly-touted NHL players, the United States men's hockey team paled in comparison to the elites of the Canadian squad.
Canada exhibited superb team defense as they smothered the high-octane United States offense. Canadian goaltender Carey Price had another outstanding performance on the ice, stopping 31 shots in Canada's 1-0 win over the Americans.
"The high-powered U.S. line of Phil Kessel-Joe Pavelski-James van Riemsdyk, which tallied 18 goals at the tournament, was held in check by Canada's defensemen," the Associated Press reported.
Meanwhile, Finland fell short of upsetting their Scandinavian rival Sweden. Olli Jokinen gave Finland an early 1-0 lead, but Sweden's Loui Eriksson and Erik Karlsson scored to avert a big upset in Sochi.
Test of Character
Coming off frustrating losses, United States and Finland will have to show the hunger to keep going despite the overwhelming disappointment they experienced on Friday.
United States defenseman Brook Orpik is aware that the character of both teams will be tested in the bronze medal game.
"It's a quick turnaround, that's for sure," U.S. defenseman Brooks Orpik told reporters following the loss to Canada. "It's not the goal we set out for, but we'll see what kind of character we have."
On the other hand, Anaheim Ducks star and Finland's forward Teemu Selanne will try to get his fourth medal in his last appearance in the Olympics.
"A bronze medal would be an unbelievable thing," Selanne told the Associated Press after losing to the Swedes. "So, that is our goal now even though it is very disappointing."
Live Streaming & Schedule
NBC Sports coverage of the Men's Ice Hockey Bronze medal match between the United States and Finland will start at 10 a.m. EST, with live streaming on NBC Extra. Results, scores and updates can be followed on ESPN Winter Olympics.