The U.S. got off to a slow start, failing behind Finland 1-0 in the 4 Nations Face-Off last night, but then coach Mike Sullivan paired up the Tkachuk brothers on a line with Jack Eichel and the American charged past the Finns, 6-1.
Matthew and Brady Tkachuk each scored two goals and Jake Guentzel and Matt Boldy also scored as the Americans broke open the game with four goals in the third period, including two in the first 26 seconds.
The night was marred by fans in Montreal booing the American players as they were introduced and continuing to boo the Star Spangled Banner despite pleas from the public address announcer to “show respect”.
Sullivan says the Americans are proud to represent their country.
Sullivan says the Tkachuk brothers gave the Americans a spark.
The coach took note of the rude greeting by the Canadian fans, but Team USA wasn’t backing down.
Sullivan knows the arena will be energized tomorrow night when the U.S. plays Canada…and Sidney Crosby.
Brady Tkachuk says playing the Canadians is going to be incredible.
U.S. center Jack Eichel says Canada will be a tough matchup.
Finland and Sweden play each other tomorrow afternoon at 1, with the U.S. against Canada at 8 o’clock at night.
PENGUINS
The Penguins made a trade of minor league forwards yesterday, sending Corey Andonovski to the St. Louis Blues for Mathias Laferierre. Neither of them have ever played a regular season NHL game.
