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USA v. Canada from Jan Levine (Rumor Update Coming) |
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Ek’s Note… as many of you know, Jan Levine does an amazing job covering the Rangers for us… Today, I am featuring his preview of tonight’s big game. I am knee-deep in phone calls regarding the trade deadline, and there are some crazy things out there being discussed. Working on getting verifications. So watch this space Later Today….
Frow Senior Writer: Jan Levine
Unless you have been living under a rock, you already know it's US-Canada for the 4 Nations Face-Off trophy. Both teams have dealt with injuries and illness, and as of this morning, the lineups are not set in stone. Canada looks to be a bit healthier, as Cale Makar, who missed the preliminary match between the two squads, returned to face Finland. For the US, the lineup is a work in progress.
Hype video:
Canada's lineup should be the same as the first match up versus the US, with the only expected difference, Cale Makar in for Thomas Harley. The 12 forwards are most likely to be the same as in the first contest, though Travis Konecny could replace Seth Jarvis, as he did versus Finland. Jordan Binnington should be in net for the fourth straight contest, which is where the US - at least on paper - has an edge as they have Connor Hellebuyck between the pipes. Lineups may not be fully revealed until after pre-game warm ups.
The US is dealing with several more uncertainties. Up front, Matthew Tkachuk and Auston Matthews, each of whom missed the 2-1 loss to Sweden, practiced yesterday. Matthews has been dealing with an injury all tournament, though he and Tkachuk are both expected to play. Brady Tkachuk, injured Monday when he slid into the goal post, did not practice yesterday, though his absence was due to illness. As mentioned, the flu bug appears to be traveling throughout the tournament, and then concern also has to be if it will be brought back to the respective NHL teams. Chris Kreider, who scored on his first shift played in the tournament on Monday, is a fairly strong candidate to play again given his international experience and net front presence. (Update: 11am: Kyle Connor possibly to sit for Kreider)
On the blueline, well, that's another story. Charlie McAvoy, injured against Finland, worsened as the tournament continued. The end result was an infection that required irrigation and debridement, not only sidelining him for the rest of the tournament, but tagging him as week-to-week. His absence is a huge loss for the Bruins, who are none too pleased with the Team USA doctors, who work for the Minnesota Wild. This situation has increased calls for independent doctors with the teams. With McAvoy sidelined, Jake Sanderson was inserted in the lineup.
Much was written about Quinn Hughes, ruled out initially and not on the roster due to injury, rejoining the team and playing. Confusion reigned as to how he would be eligible, which was determined to be only if another d-man was sidelined. Ultimately, Hughes was not cleared to play, resulting in the team bringing in New Jersey's Brett Pesce and Buffalo's Tage Thompson, one of the last cuts, as support in case additional players were sidelined due to illness or injury.
As I wrote after the 3-1 win Saturday, losing today would make that game an afterthought. A nice footnote but not the main story. In order to really put their stamp on the tourney and what it means for US hockey today and moving forward, the team needs to seal the deal and win tonight. A loss won't make the tourney a bust, but a win goes a long way as to establishing the possible dominance of the country on the international stage, especially as a lead in to the 2026 Olympics.
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