MONTREAL (AP) — The United States secured a place in the 4 Nations Face-Off final by defeating Canada in a thrilling matchup that featured three fights in the opening nine seconds. Matthew Tkachuk’s squad delivered a strong message with a 3-1 victory, proving that it was their time to shine.
The Tkachuk brothers, along with J.T. Miller, set the tone with early fights against their Canadian rivals. Dylan Larkin’s go-ahead goal in the second period sealed the win for the Americans in a high-octane game that showcased speed, skill, and physicality on both sides.
The intense matchup unfolded amidst tensions between the neighboring countries, with the sellout crowd at Bell Centre showing strong support for their respective teams. The game was a showcase of top-tier talent, with both sides putting on a spectacular display of hockey prowess.
In the end, the United States emerged victorious, demonstrating their ability to match Canada’s speed and talent. The hard-fought win was a testament to the team’s determination and skill, setting the stage for an exciting final showdown in the tournament.
The team roster, led by McDavid, Crosby, and Nathan MacKinnon, faces a crucial must-win situation on Monday against Finland. “It’s kind of like a Game 7,” expressed McDavid. “A lot of guys in this room have been in that situation before. We have to secure a victory.” On the same night, the U.S. has nothing at stake in their game against Sweden. However, there are concerns about Matthew Tkachuk, as he was unable to complete the game due to what Sullivan referred to as a lower-body injury. “I feel good,” Tkachuk reassured, minimizing the injury. “I definitely feel much better after a win. I should be perfectly fine.”
Looking ahead, the tournament moves to TD Garden in Boston for the games on Monday. Canada will wrap up their round-robin play against Finland at 1 p.m., followed by the U.S. taking on Sweden at 8 p.m. For more NHL news, visit the AP NHL page: https://apnews.com/hub/NHL
