It all comes down to Thursday night.
The United States and Canada will meet at TD Garden in Boston for a winner-take-all game to decide the champion of the 4 Nations Face-Off.
“Everyone’s a little bit … I wouldn’t say tired, but there’s obviously an adrenaline dump after the big game in Canada,” Rangers and US forward Chris Kreider, who made his tournament debut in Monday’s 2–1 loss to Sweden, said. “Have a couple days here to hit the reset button, and to build up that anticipation, that excitement going into the final game.”
Kreider was in the lineup Monday in place of the injured Matthew Tkachuk. At Wednesday’s practice, he skated with Vincent Trocheck and Brock Nelson, according to Mollie Walker of the New York Post. Brady Tkachuk was absent because he wasn’t feeling well.
The U.S. has dealt with its share of injuries during the tournament and will be without one of their top defensemen Thursday.
Charlie McAvoy remains in the hospital, where he is being treated for an AC joint sprain he suffered in the Americans’ February 13 game against Finland, and an infection in his right shoulder, the Boston Bruins announced Wednesday. McAvoy is also without a timeline to return to the Bruins.
“It’s tough,” said coach Mike Sullivan. “He’s a terrific hockey player, and he’s a big part of this team. He’s played extremely well through this tournament. When you lose players of that caliber, they’re not easy to replace.”
McAvoy was replaced in the lineup by Jake Sanderson, who surprised Kreider when he found out that Sanderson was 22 years old.
“I didn’t realize he was that young,” said Kreider. “The way he carries himself, very professional. Obviously his game’s very mature, so he’s a heck of a player.”
“Jake’s a terrific player,” said Sullivan. “He’s a mobile guy. He defends really well. Uses his mobility, his stick to defend. He’s got high hockey IQ, I think he has an offensive dimension to his game. He’s really good at joining the rush. He’s pretty active along that offensive blue line.”
Matthew Tkachuk and Auston Matthews practiced Wednesday, per Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. Both players missed Monday’s game with injuries. Both Tkachuk brothers and Matthews are expected to play on Thursday.
Quinn Hughes will not join the U.S. unless he is likely to play — which would require another injury to the U.S. blue line. Sullivan had told reporters Tuesday that he “is coming.” Hughes practiced with the Vancouver Canucks in a regular jersey Wednesday, after donning a non-contact jersey Tuesday.
