Whether it is a prelude to a championship final remains to be seen, but Saturday’s round-robin clash between Canada and the United States at the 4 Nations Face-Off in Montreal is shaping up as a heavyweight tilt for the ages.
Even without the political turmoil of tariffs and annexation talks from the White House adding more gasoline to the mix, the rivalry was already ratcheted up.
“I think it’s going to be the biggest game that I’ve ever played in my career, so I’m really looking forward to that,” U.S. forward Brady Tkachuk said. “Yeah, there’s a big buildup to it. U.S. versus Canada, it’s bigger than just the guys on the ice. It’s so many people past, present and future down the road. … The excitement is going to be at an all-time high.”
Canada opened on Wednesday with a 4-3 overtime victory over Sweden, a game in which the hosts squandered a two-goal, third-period lead. The next day, the Americans blew open what was a tie game late in the second period en route to a 6-1 thrashing of Finland, in which Brady Tkachuk and his brother, Matthew, both scored twice.
“I didn’t think our first (period) was bad by any means. I just thought we were kind of going through the motions a little bit,” said U.S. defenseman Zach Werenski, who collected three assists. “I thought we got to our game more in the second and third, and guys started to get more chemistry as the game went on.”
Now to see whether the U.S. can build on that momentum or the Canadians can stop the train from gaining speed.
“It’s going to be a battle,” U.S. defenseman Brock Faber said. “They’re extremely skilled. We’re extremely skilled. They’re fast. We’re fast. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”
The Canadians know they must elevate their game tremendously for this match, but they are facing additional challenges.
Defenseman Shea Theodore suffered an injury that will sideline him for a few weeks. He will be replaced in the lineup by Travis Sanheim. Top offensive defenseman Cale Makar did not practice on Friday due to illness.
Forward Travis Konecny skated as a defenseman in practice. Canada has brought Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley to Montreal as an emergency replacement if Makar is unable to play.
Canada coach Jon Cooper said he is “confident” Makar will play.
“But at the end of the day, you just have to adjust,” Cooper said. “… (Konecny) was back there helping us out on the blue line and hopefully Cale will be good to go (Saturday).”
The changes likely do not end there. After being a scratch in the tournament opener, Sam Bennett will likely replace Konecny on the fourth line, which would give Canada more snarl in the lineup.
What Cooper would not divulge is whether he will start in goal Jordan Binnington, who struggled while Canada surrendered that lead to Sweden but was excellent late in regulation and overtime, or will turn to Adin Hill.
Regardless of who is on the ice, expect an amped-up affair.
“You can’t draw it up any better. Saturday night, Montreal, U.S.-Canada,” Canadian defenseman Josh Morrissey told the Winnipeg Jets’ team website. “It’s going to be unreal. I think everyone is absolutely jacked for it.”
–Field Level Media
