BOSTON — The primary matchup between the USA and Canada within the 4 Nations Face-Off left each side — and most hockey followers, too — wanting extra.
And that’s simply what they’ll get.
The North People performed their manner right into a rematch within the championship sport, even with the USA dropping 2-1 to Sweden within the round-robin finale on Monday. The U.S. staff had already clinched a spot within the title sport, and Canada earned its manner there by beating Finland 5-3 earlier Monday to complete the group stage.
“Will probably be a tough fought battle. That’s what I’d anticipate,” U.S. coach Mike Sullivan mentioned. “I really feel like I get one of the best seat in the home, being behind the bench and being up near it. To look at what these guys do on the ice on the tempo that they’re in a position to do it, generally we simply marvel at what goes on up there.”
Sweden rallied after falling behind simply 35 seconds into the sport at hand the People their first loss within the match that introduced the sport’s biggest gamers again to the worldwide stage after sitting out the final two Olympics.
Canada watched its four-goal lead minimize to 1 within the remaining minutes however pulled out a victory over Finland earlier Monday to seize the opposite spot within the title sport. That clinched the rematch of the fight-filled round-robin matchup from Saturday.
“They’re gonna be extraordinarily hungry. They don’t wish to lose two to us,” American ahead Dylan Larkin mentioned. “I believe there’ll be some nerves, however I hope it’s that degree that it was in Montreal.”
Chris Kreider gave the People the lead within the opening minute on Monday evening, however Gustav Nyquist tied it a dozen minutes later and Jesper Bratt gave Sweden the lead with lower than a minute remaining within the first interval. Samuel Ersson made 31 saves, shutting the U.S. down for the sport’s final 59:25.
Formally, the nightcap meant nothing to both the People or Swedes: The U.S. had already clinched a spot in Thursday evening’s championship sport, and Sweden wanted the Canadians to falter for an opportunity within the remaining.
“I don’t suppose there was an excessive amount of of a shock,” U.S. ahead Jack Hughes mentioned. “They’re clearly an excellent staff and I do know they’re champing on the bit to get us once more. We’re actually excited that we get them, and that’s sort of what we have been on the lookout for.”
With some followers sporting powdered wigs and colonial-era tricorn hats, the Boston crowd bellowed “The Star-Spangled Banner” earlier than the sport — a response to the Canadians who booed the U.S. nationwide anthem earlier than the early matchups in Montreal. Chants of “U-S-A!” rang out by way of the TD Backyard within the remaining minutes, with goalie Jake Oettinger pulled for an additional skater, however the People couldn’t beat Ersson to pressure additional time.
As an alternative, the People will regroup for the match remaining.
“The primary sport was such an excellent hockey sport. And I believe it’s nice for hockey that there’s a possibility for these two groups to fulfill once more,” Sullivan mentioned. “Clearly, each groups have star energy throughout the lineup. It was a really aggressive hockey sport, the primary sport. I’d anticipate the following one shall be each bit as aggressive, if no more.”
The People confronted Sweden a participant down with Auston Matthews out, after which Brady Tkachuk left within the second interval after colliding with Ersson within the crease. Extra disappointing for the Boston followers was Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy being scratched from the lineup.
Sullivan mentioned the staff had not moved to usher in roster reinforcements.
“We’re hoping to get a few of these guys again,” he mentioned.
