The World Junior Championships just provided another stark reminder: nothing is guaranteed in a knockout match.
The United States was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Finland with a 4-3 overtime loss that surprised not only the context but also the script. From the very beginning of the tournament, the Americans were among the teams that had to fight for gold. But their run as two-time defending champions came to an end much sooner than expected.
On paper, the US had the advantage. A deep, fast, talented lineup capable of generating multiple threes. Everything you need to go far in this tournament. But the WJC is rarely played out on paper.
Last year, it was Canada that lost in the quarterfinals, and now it’s up to the Americans to finish the tournament.
FINLAND DEFEATS TEAM US IN OVERTIME AND PROMOTES TO THE SEMI-FINALS!
#worldjuniors pic.twitter.com/y5mYN4dh0N
– TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 3, 2026
The match was tense from start to finish, but the Americans often dictated the pace. Cole Hutson marked his return to the game with a goal and an assist. He missed the last two games due to injury after being hit in the head.
And even when it seemed that all was lost, the home team found a way to stay alive. With just a few minutes remaining in the third period, the Americans forced overtime, a moment that seemed to shift the momentum.
RIKER LEE JUST SCORED THE DECISIVE GOAL IN THE LAST FRAME! MY GOD!
#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/nVajECbd6S
– TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 3, 2026
But Finland never panicked.
True to their identity, they played structured, disciplined and patient hockey, waiting for the slightest chance. There was a quick turnover in overtime and the puck ended up behind the American goalie.
ARTTU VALILA – HERO OF VERTING WORK! FINLAND DESTROYS US THREE-PEAT HOPES #WORLDJUNIORS!
– TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 3, 2026
The end of the tournament for the USA.
The elimination remains surprising given the expectations surrounding the American team. First of all, it serves as a reminder of how small the margin for error is on the VEC. One match, one overtime, one moment of inattention… and even the favorite's career can come to a sudden halt.
This is a landmark victory for Finland and a reminder to other teams not to take it lightly. For the US, this is an early exit that will leave questions and great disappointment.
after a while
– Linus Karlsson signs a two-year contract extension with the Vancouver Canucks worth $2.25 million per year.
CEO Patrick Allwin announced today that #Canucks agreed to terms with forward Linus Karlsson on a two-year contract with AAV worth $2.25 million. pic.twitter.com/bJLreailf4
– Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) January 3, 2026
– Mika Zibanejad scores the first goal of the Miami Winter Classic against the Panthers.
MIKA ZIBANEJAD OPENS AN ACCOUNT #WINTER CLASSICS
pic.twitter.com/XUoSNUM3ci
– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 3, 2026
– David Pagnotta believes Matthew Schaefer is first on Team Canada's reserve list.
David Pagnotta: Team Canada: They have a reserve list or reserve list; I think Matthew Schaefer will be first on the D side – DFO Rundown (December 31st)
– NHL Rumor Report (@NHLRumorReport) January 3, 2026
