The scene is set for a high-stakes showdown as Canada gears up to face the U.S. in the 4 Nations Face-Off final later this week. This eagerly anticipated match will serve as a rematch of their recent intense showdown, where tensions ran high and three fights erupted within a mere nine seconds of play.
Following Canada’s triumphant 5-3 victory over Finland on Monday afternoon, star players Brad Marchand and Nathan MacKinnon expressed their eagerness to once again take on the U.S. in what promises to be a fiercely contested game.
“We’re obviously really excited about (having) another crack at these guys. It’s going to be an intense game, for sure,” Marchand remarked. “There’s no bigger rivalry in hockey than Canada-U.S., and I think it’s the matchup that everybody wanted. So it’s going to be an extremely intense game, one we’re all going to be looking forward to.”
Similarly, MacKinnon exuded confidence in Canada’s ability to emerge victorious in the upcoming clash. “We feel like we can beat those guys and we plan on playing a little better Thursday,” he stated.
Despite their recent loss to Sweden which concluded the round-robin phase of the tournament, the U.S. team remains determined and focused on the impending face-off with Canada. Injuries to key players such as Brady Tkachuk, as well as the absence of Auston Matthews and Charlie McAvoy from the lineup, have added an element of uncertainty to the American squad.
Nonetheless, U.S. head coach Mike Sullivan emphasized the competitive spirit and star power that both teams bring to the table. “The first game was such a great hockey game. And I think it’s great for hockey that there’s an opportunity for these two teams to meet again,” Sullivan remarked. “Obviously, both teams have star power all around the lineup. It was a very competitive hockey game, the first game. I would anticipate the next one will be every bit as competitive, if not more.”
Excitement is palpable as the stage is set for what promises to be a thrilling and fiercely contested final between two titans of the ice. Stay tuned for more updates on this highly anticipated match!
(Original article source: Excitement builds for US-Canada 4 Nations final after raucous 1st game)
