BOSTON — Canada refers to it as “our game.” The United States claims it’s “our moment.”
We’ll find out.
The 4 Nations Showdown is reduced to two.
With a 5-3 victory over Finland at TD Garden on Monday afternoon, Canada secured a place in the championship match here Thursday (8 p.m.). ET; ESPN, ESPN+, SN, TVAS).
The United States had already secured its spot — both literally and figuratively — with a strong, emotional 3-1 victory over Canada at Bell Centre in Montreal on Saturday.
The U.S. team sat out goalie Connor Hellebuyck, defenseman Charlie McAvoy, and forwards Auston Matthews and Matthew Tkachuk in a 2-1 defeat against Sweden here on Monday night. Forward Brady Tkachuk exited due to an injury, seemingly as a precautionary measure.
They aimed to be prepared for the rematch.
Matthew Tkachuk mentioned to TNT that he believes the environment in Boston will be even more favorable than it was in Montreal.
“I acknowledge the fans up there,” he stated. “It was amazing to perform there.” However, I’m anticipating the finest atmosphere I’ve ever experienced on Thursday night. I’m really thrilled.
Who isn’t?
“I’m expecting to witness two teams that are very well-matched compete,” said Canada coach Jon Cooper. “I believe the city of Boston will experience something remarkable on Thursday.”
Canada has emerged victorious in nine out of the 13 premier tournaments conducted, claiming five of the last six competitions and winning the previous three consecutively. Rogers shared advertisements throughout Montreal showcasing star center Connor McDavid along with a message: “NOTRE ÉQUIPE.” NOTRE ACTIVITÉ PHYSIQUE.” “OUR GROUP.” “OUR GAME.”
The United States has secured a best-on-best championship, the 1996 World Cup of Hockey, by beating Canada 2-1 in a best-of-3 series finale. Forward Matthew Tkachuk stated that the Americans aimed to convey their own message by engaging in three fights with the Canadians in the first nine seconds on Saturday: “It’s our time right now.”
“I didn’t hear him mention that,” said Canada goalie Jordan Binnington. “However, he’s attempting to create some commotion, something he enjoys, while we will concentrate on our responsibilities here and take things one game at a time, one period at a time.”
This is an appropriate contest that has been developing for a considerable period.
The United States was unable to overcome Canada in the gold-medal matches of the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics and the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. However, hockey has been expanding in the United States.
In the 4 Nations Face-Off, the inaugural best-on-best tournament after the World Cup of Hockey 2016 in Toronto, the Americans possess the skill and depth to rival the Canadians.
They demonstrated it on Saturday in a challenging setting in Montreal.
“Clearly, if you examine the previous match, the intensity,” stated Canada captain Sidney Crosby. “Both teams quickly became familiar with one another.” “Absolutely, it will pose a significant challenge.”
The Americans didn’t only battle on Saturday. They landed major blows. After trailing 1-0, they rallied to claim a 2-1 advantage and stifled Canada’s offense before sealing the game with an empty-net goal. The shots counted were 26-23 in favor of Canada.
“I simply believe they are extremely dangerous,” said Canada center Nathan MacKinnon. “Neither team had much happening, and we offered them a few opportunities; their talent ensures they will score.” All the top players in the League are on the same ice, and the shots are around 20-20, which demonstrates how closely everyone is checking at the moment.
MacKinnon stated that the Canadians are prepared for the rematch.
“We would really enjoy playing against them once more,” he stated. “We believe we can defeat those opponents, and we intend to perform a bit better on Thursday.”
Cooper stated that the Canadians handled the puck more effectively against Finland on Monday. It was beneficial that they had Cale Makar, among the top defensemen globally, who missed the game against the United States on Saturday due to illness.
“The U.S. is a very talented team,” Makar stated. “In that game particularly [Saturday], they aided one another effectively on the ice and then sort of dismantled us in the neutral zone, allowing them to create odd-man rushes a few times.” Those are merely minor issues that we might need to fix up.
Finland’s coach Antti Pennanen was inquired about the secret to winning the championship match. He may have believed he was requested for the favorite. He mentioned it was difficult to determine, as both teams are excellent.
“I’m not sure,” he remarked. “Perhaps it’s the United States.”
Is Canada the less favored? Are the Canadians inspired by the rematch? Cooper expressed their confidence and desire to win regardless of the opponent, even though facing a rival adds excitement.
“We arrived with this goal in mind, and now it’s about winning one more match,” he stated. “It just so happens to be against the team that defeated us after the fireworks lit up the sky on Saturday night, so I believe it will be quite an entertaining event for television.”
