3 keys to success for United States against Finland at World Juniors

The NHL Network will provide exclusive live telecasts of all United States games during the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship in Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia.
The U.S. finished second after four preliminary-round games (3-0-1-0) in Group B at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre in Victoria and defeated Czech Republic 3-1 in the quarterfinal round, and Russia 2-1 in the semifinal round. It will play Finland in the gold medal game at Rogers Arena in Vancouver on Saturday (8 p.m. ET; NHLN, TSN).
Longtime NCAA hockey analyst Dave Starman, who will handle the broadcast along with Stephen Nelson, will give his three keys to victory for the United States before each of its games during the 11-day tournament.

"The best part about this U.S. team is it has been in many different games against some tough opponents and found ways to be the better team," Starman said. "Knowing that, it makes it easier to mentally handle the adversity that comes at you in games."

Here are Starman's three keys to success for the United States against Finland.

1. The unsung hero

"While your best players have to be your best players, these games produce a hero that you might not expect. Alexander Chmelevski (San Jose Sharks) could be a guy who could fit that role. A multi-purpose forward, he has been getting better every game and has been steady since day one. Flying a little under the radar, he could be due for a big goal."

2. Royal road

"The royal road is a term analyst Steve Valiquette uses to describe the center of the offensive zone from goal line-to-blue line. The U.S. has scored a few goals passing from one side to the other, and this type of offensive identity is a big key to its success. Changing the point of attack and hoping to catch the weak side exposed is a tactic the U.S. has done well and should be able to exploit again versus Finland."

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3. Just play

"This is what (U.S. assistant coach) Scott Sandelin told his Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs. It's what Bob Motzko told his 2017 (gold medal-winning U.S. National Junior Team). It's what Mike Sullivan told his 2016 Pittsburgh Penguins when he first took over on the way to winning a Stanley Cup. The players are driving the bus. Stick to what got you here and don't overthink it, or over-complicate it. Just go play."