Predators prospect Eeli Tolvanen has 4 points in Olympic debut

Eeli Tolvanen (20), of Finland, celebrates after scoring a goal at the 2018 Winter Olympics. (Frank Franklin II/AP))

Eeli Tolvanen shined with a goal and three assists as Finland flashed skill and sharp shooting to beat Germany 5-2 in each team’s Olympic opener.

Tolvanen, the Nashville Predators‘ top prospect, scored at even strength and assisted on a power-play goal by Sami Lepisto and captain Lasse Kukkonen’s first goal in the Olympics or world championships since 2006. Former Philadelphia Flyers forward Mika Pyorala also scored for Finland on Thursday.

Former New York Islanders goaltender Mikko Koskinen stopped 22 of 24 shots for the victory. Germany goaltender Danny aus den Birken allowed five goals on 20 shots.

Brooks Macek and Frank Hordler scored for Germany, which could not match Finland’s firepower.

Stars prospect Miro Heiskanen had a turnover that led to one of Germany’s goals but played a strong game overall.

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