Rangers stars on Team USA ready for 4 Nations rematch vs. Canada: ‘This is what we came here for’
Round one of United States vs. Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off undoubtedly lived up to the hype. The rematch is on the horizon, and the New York Rangers representing Team USA are hyped for the championship game against Canada on Thursday at TD Garden in Boston.
“I anticipate it’s going to be rocking, it’s going to be an awesome game,” J.T. Miller said. “This is what we came here for, we love that we get a chance to play those guys again.”
The first time around, Miller took part in one of three fights in the opening nine seconds of the preliminary-round clash with Canada on Monday, dropping the gloves with Colton Parayko. The United States then skated to a thrilling 3-1 victory.
“Like everyone else that watched that game, it was probably the most entertaining hockey you’ll ever see, so hopefully next game lives up to that,” Chris Kreider said Tuesday. “I think it’s just really good for the game of hockey.”
Kreider was a spectator for that game, as he was for Team USA’s 6-1 win against Finland to open the tournament. He made his 4 Nations debut Monday, scoring a goal in a 2-1 loss to Sweden. The United States had already clinched a spot in the championship game by that point, so they rested forwards Matthew Tkachuk (lower-body injury) and Auston Matthews (upper-body soreness), affording Kreider the chance to play — and make a strong impression on the U.S. coaching staff.
Matthews and Tkachuk, as well as Brady Tkachuk — who left Monday night’s game early with an unspecified injury — all hope to play Thursday.
“I know that everybody’s going to be itching to get back in when game time comes Thursday,” Miller said.
Canada clinched a spot in the championship game with a 5-3 win against Finland on Monday. The Canadians raced to a 4-0 lead and then held on when Finland scored three straight before Sidney Crosby’s empty-net goal iced it for Canada.
Now, the much anticipated rematch is set, the Final most were hoping for: The United States vs. Canada.
“It’s going to be heated, rivalry-type game like always,” said Miller. “I expect it to be an awesome atmosphere”
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Chris Kreider could play for U.S. in 4 Nations Face-Off Final against Canada
With Brady Tkachuk missing practice Wednesday, Kreider skated on a line with Rangers teammate Vincent Trocheck and Brock Nelson of the Islanders. Kyle Connor slid into Tkachuk’s spot alongside Jack Eichel and Matthew Tkachuk.
Brady Tkachuk’s status for Thursday is undetermined.
Whether Kreider’s inclusion in the lineup depends solely on the health of others is also unknown. Kreider played a strong game Monday, logging over 17 minutes TOI, and may have well earned a spot in the Thursday lineup on his own.
“Chris did more than score,” Team USA coach Mike Sullivan said. “He really can skate; he has good size and he can kill penalties; plus he worked the power play.”
If that’s all for Kreider in this tournament, he can hang his hat on a solid performance against Sweden. Not many players can say they scored a goal for their country in a best-on-best tournament – and Kreider did so in his home state in front of his family in the crowd. But it’d sure to be fun playing in the championship game alongside his Rangers teammates Miller, Trocheck and Adam Fox.
“It’s been a really cool experience,” he said. “I mean I’ve never really gotten an opportunity to play a best-on-best tournament, certainly not of this caliber. It’s an incredibly unique experience.”
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