After the intensity of the opening games of the 4 Nations Face-off in Montreal, the tournament moves to Boston starting today, with the championship scheduled for Thursday and Team USA the only team with a chance to sweep its way to a championship.
The Americans clinched a spot in the championship game with its bruising 3-1 win over Team Canada on Saturday. Today, Canada plays Finland at one o’clock and the U.S. battles winless Sweden at eight.
Team USA coach Mike Sullivan says to have the chance to win the championship in his hometown is special.
Sullivan says even though there is technically nothing to gain with a win tonight over Sweden, there is still great meaning for Team USA.
Reflecting on Saturday’s game against Team Canada and the possibility of facing the Canadians in the championship on Thursday, Sullivan says any team led by Sidney Crosby is going to be tough.
While the path to the championship final is much easier for Canada and Finland, Sweden still does have a chance, with a win over the U.S. in regulation plus Canada-Finland going into overtime or a shootout.
Sullivan had no update on the status of forward Matthew Tkachuk, who was injured in Saturday’s game against Canada and did not return to the game. Team USA did not practice yesterday after arriving in Boston at 3:30 AM and then enduring a 90-minute bus ride in a snowstorm to get to their hotel.
