United States' NHL Squad Advances to 4 Nations Challenge Finals. Who Completes the Lineup?
As we aim towards the final stretch of the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, Monday marks a crucial day with decision-making at the forefront. Team USA, having already secured a spot in the championship game, is yet to learn their opponent. The three contenders lurking in the wings – Canada, Finland, and Sweden – all hold two points apiece, having triumphed against their oppositions in overtime matches.
Commencing the day at 1 p.m. ET, Canada takes on Finland at TD Garden in Boston, with the consequence of this matchup greatly impacting the tournament's later stages. Meanwhile, the Swedes and the United States will face off in the evening at 8 p.m. ET. Both encounters will cater to viewers across the U.S. (TNT/TruTV/Max) and Canada (Sportsnet/TVAS).
Canada, still reeling from their 3-1 loss against the USA on Saturday, will need a quick recovery. The atmosphere was palpable from the opening minutes, with a series of three fights bursting onto the ice within the first nine seconds. The Canadians bounced back with Connor McDavid and Jake Guentzel scoring, but thick emotion and high intensity ultimately led Dylan Larkin to seal their fate.
Injuries have weakened Canada's defensive lineup, with Shea Theodore and Cale Makar missing out on Saturday's game. In their stead came Travis Sanheim and Thomas Harley, an emergency call-up who hadn't even practiced with his team before taking the ice on Saturday. The decisive factor, however, remains the impeccable performance of goaltender Jordan Binnington, who has been stellar for the team thus far.
On the other hand, Finland's blue-line has endured rough waters, especially due to injuries before the tournament commenced. They put up a good fight against the United States in the opener, but the damages fully manifested in a 6-1 loss. The tune shifted, however, in their subsequent match against Sweden, which they managed to win in overtime. This clears the path for Finland, who have filled their vacant goaltending spot by switching from Juuse Saros to Kevin Lankinen.
With the potential for a regulation-time decision, the winner of the early matchup will lock horns with the United States for the championship game. Should Sweden bag a victory in overtime or a shootout, they could tie the standings, but ultimately lose out due to their defeat against the Americans in both head-to-head encounters.
If Monday's games get decided in extra time or a shootout for either Canada or Finland, the Swedes would still have the opportunity to advance with a regulation winning effort during their final face-off against the United States – a luxury afforded to them by their already-guaranteed spot in the championship game.
The Americans might slacken their intensity during Monday's encounter, giving them ample time to recuperate for Thursday's championship battle. Mathew Tkachuk, a vital force in the first two games, might be purposely benched, allowing room for the entrance of Chris Kreider.
The United States' coaching staff might also consider rotating out their goaltender, potentially bringing in local boys, Jeremy Swayman or Jake Oettinger, if Hellebuyck is rested for Monday's game. Hellebuyck has exhibited stellar performances against Finland and Canada, allowing only one goal each, and stopping 87 out of the 90 shots he has faced so far, preserving his impeccable 1.00 GAA and .957 save percentage.
Bringing in two captivating matches to conclude the preliminary rounds is a winning formula, bolstering the excitement of fans and players alike, embodying team spirit and top-notch hockey. The tournament has already surpassed expectations, drawing in over one million average viewers for the Canada vs. Sweden match, which became the most-viewed non-playoff game ever on Max.
Additionally, the 1.5-million viewership of Thursday's USA vs. Finland game went beyond the heights of any NHL All-Star Game ever since ESPN and Disney reacquired the rights in 2022. The NHL and the Players' Association have announced a commitment to returning the World Cup of Hockey in February 2028 and every four years in the future, prompting anticipation for more exciting international matches.
Connor McDavid led the scoring for Team USA in their victory against Canada, notching two assists.
Despite their injuries, Connor Hellebuyck has been outstanding in goal for the United States, maintaining a low goals against average and save percentage.
Monday's games could provide an opportunity for returning players to sit on the bench and rest before the championship game.
Jordan Binnington's exceptional performances in net have been crucial for Team Canada, as they look to bounce back from their loss.
If Finland manages to win their match against Canada in overtime or a shootout, they will need to secure a regulation victory against Team USA to advance to the championship game.
With the potential for two overtime or shootout games on Monday, the 2026 Winter Olympics and the World Cup of Hockey will have high expectations to meet.
The stage is set for an exciting final day of the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, which has already exceeded viewership expectations thanks to the NHL's commitment to promoting international hockey.
