Finland turns to Lankinen in net against Sweden

Finland will start goaltender Kevin Lankinen for Saturday's important tilt against Sweden, head coach Antti Pennanen confirmed to NHL.com's Tom Gulitti.

Juuse Saros started Thursday's opener against the United States, a 6-1 loss.

"We have three good goalies. It's a good situation for us," Pennanen said. "'Jus,' I think he was really good the first 40 minutes, but 6-1, so we have to do something. Kevin has played good games lately, so that was behind that decision."

Lankinen has a 19-8-7 record with a .905 save percentage, 2.53 goals-against average, and four shutouts for the Vancouver Canucks this season. He's excited for the opportunity to represent his nation against its biggest rival.

"That's what every little kid is dreaming about, especially the tournaments like this, not just to play against the best (but also) representing your own country," Lankinen said. "That's what we work so hard for."

Finland sits last in the 4 Nations Face-Off standings with each team playing once so far. Sweden earned one point in an overtime loss to Canada in its opener.

Puck drop is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET in Montreal.