4 Nations notes: Injured Americans return
Canada and the United States are gearing up for their highly anticipated rematch in the 4 Nations Face-Off final on Thursday night in Boston. Here are some updates on the teams as they prepare for the big game.
Two of the U.S.’s injured forwards, Auston Matthews and Matthew Tkachuk, were back at practice today. Both players missed the Americans’ last game against Sweden, but it sounds like they will both play in the final. Brady Tkachuk, who also missed part of the game against Canada, is expected to play as well. Head coach Mike Sullivan expressed confidence in Brady Tkachuk’s readiness for the game.
Unfortunately for the U.S., defenceman Charlie McAvoy remains hospitalized and will not be able to play in the final. McAvoy sustained a shoulder injury during the tournament and underwent a procedure to clean up an infection in his shoulder. It is unclear when he will be able to return to the ice.
On the Canadian side, top defenceman Cale Makar has returned from illness and played a significant role in the team’s victory over Finland. However, the Canadians are still without Alex Pietrangelo and Shea Theodore, two key defencemen who are out with injuries. Sidney Crosby, who had been dealing with an upper-body injury, has been performing well in the tournament and leads the team in points.
There has been some drama leading up to the final, with tensions running high between the two teams. Canadian forward Brandon Hagel took a shot at the Tkachuk brothers, implying that they care more about theatrics than playing for the team. The Americans, on the other hand, have expressed a desire for President Trump to attend the game on Thursday night.
As the teams prepare to face off once again, fans can expect an intense and exciting matchup between Canada and the United States. Stay tuned for more updates as the final approaches.
