Canada, Finland and Sweden each have 2 points (teams get 3 points for a regulation win, 2 for an overtime/shootout win, 1 for an overtime/shootout loss) through two games, but Sweden’s points came from two overtime losses to Finland and Canada. So Sweden would lose the tiebreaker if they finish tied with either of those teams.

In the end, it was less of an escape than 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, joined together on a line by coach Mike Sullivan.

Team U.S.A. cruised to a 6-1 victory over Finland in their inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off game on Thursday night. Wild stars Brock Faber and Matt Boldy connected in the second period, giving the U.S. its first lead of the game.