The 4 Nations Face-Off officially began Wednesday night with Canada playing Sweden. Canada was the heavy favorite for this game and ended up winning in overtime with a score of 4-3. The United States played Thursday night and dominated against Finland. The USA won 6-1 in their first game with the Tkachuck brothers leading the way.
United States Dominate Finland Thursday Night
The United States took on Finland Thursday in their first round-robin game. The Tkachuk brothers led the way. Matthew Tkachuk had two goals and an assist. Brady Tkachuk also joined the party by scoring two goals. Forwards Jake Guentzel and Matt Boldy each logged a goal and assist for the Americans.
As for Finland, following a 1-0 lead, things quickly deteriorated as the Americans took over and scored two goals within 11 seconds. Goaltender Juuse Saros let in six goals on 32 shots by the time the game ended. He was under attack with a shooting gallery by the Americans. Goaltender Kevin Lankinen will take over in goal for Finland in their next matchup against Sweden.
The 4 Nations Face-Off has eight players from the Florida Panthers team playing in this tournament. Almost all of them played in this game. Captain Alexsander Barkov, Niko Mikkola, and Anton Lundell play for Team Finland. While on the other side of the rink was Matthew Tkachuk who also plays for the Florida Panthers. Matthew Tkachuk led the way in dominating his teammates and becoming victorious.
United States Next Game
The United States’ next game will be Saturday night against rival country Canada. It should be a great game with the Tkachuk brothers facing off against Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, and Florida Panthers teammates Sam Reinhart and Sam Bennett. The last time Canada played the United States was in the 2010 Winter Olympics where Canada won Gold over the United States in an overtime thriller.
The last time the US won Gold in the Winter Olympics for hockey was in 1980. This game will mean everything to the United States in this 4 Nations Face-Off to beat Canada and prove who is best. The United States has a roster advantage Tkachuk brothers but also has Toronto Maple Leafs Forward Austin Matthews and Vegas Golden Knights Forward Jack Eichel.
However, as for Finland, they play Sunday afternoon against Sweden. The Fins will have to regroup if they want to stand a chance to make it to the Final game. With a loss though, it will be a tough hill to climb. The Championship game will be held on Thursday, February 20 at TD Garden in Boston.
