Canada down Finland to set up USA ice hockey grudge clash [Video]

Canada set up another politically charged ice hockey grudge match against the United States on Monday after defeating Finland 5-3 to reach the final of the NHL Four Nations tournament.

Two days after suffering a bruising 3-1 defeat to the USA in a chaotic clash in Montreal on Saturday, Canada ensured they will now have a chance to avenge that loss against the Americans in Thursday’s final in Boston.

Saturday’s first meeting between Canada and the US descended into mayhem within seconds of the puck being dropped, with three fistfights breaking out in the first nine seconds.

That tumultuous opening came after Canada’s home fans had drowned out the US national anthem with a cacophony of boos — reflecting the bitter political tensions between the two neighbors following US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose tariffs on Canadian goods.

Trump has also repeatedly called for Canada to become the “51st …