The United States and Canada will square off Thursday in the Championship Game of the 4 Nations Face-Off. The Tkachuk brothers, Matthew and Brady, are set to play along with Austin Matthews who missed the game against Sweden on Monday night. Charlie McAvoy remains at Massachusetts General Hospital, where the Boston Bruins defenseman was taken on Monday after sustaining an injury to his right shoulder acromioclavicular joint in the game against Finland.
United States-Canada 4 Nations Face-Off Championship
Thursday night at TD Garden is going to be an electric atmosphere when Canada and the United States face off for the championship. In the last meeting of these two teams on Saturday, fights broke out within nine seconds of puck drop. The buildup of this game is going to be surreal for all players and fans.
The United States won the last contest against Canada 3-1. For Team USA, Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck will lead the way. He has allowed only two goals in the two games he has played in. Also, Matthew Tkachuk has two goals and his brother Brady has two goals and 11 shots on goal.
Team Canada will look for Forwards Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid to have big games a blow past the USA defense. They will have a tough task against 6-foot-4 Connor Hellebuyck. Canadian Goalie Jordan Binnington has played well, but he also let in a few soft goals against Finland.
Will Another Miracle On Ice Take Place
The last time the United States won in the Olympics was against the Soviets 45 years ago in Lake Placid. It was one of the biggest upsets in USA hockey history and sports history. Team USA Head Coach Mike Sullivan was 12 when the United States won Gold. The United States played in the Finals of the Olympics against Canada in 2010 when Crosby scored the OT-winning goal to win Gold 3-2.
For the United States, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime to grow the sport. The Americans don’t want a repeat of 2010 when the preliminary win was the highlight. “It’s the dream scenario,” said 23-year-old Matt Boldy, who starred for the U.S. when the Americans beat Canada to win gold at the 2021 World Juniors on Canadian soil. “It’s the biggest game that I think I’ve ever played in my whole life.
On Thursday night, the United States will look to beat Canada for the first time in a long time and raise the 4 Nations Face-Off trophy. The next time these two teams will meet will be next year in the Winter Olympics in 2026. The United States is a slight 52% favorite to win the game. Hellebuyck is on track to win the MVP, but the question is who will win the 4 Nations Face-Off? Tune in Thursday night to find out.
