Team USA and Canada will square off once again in the 4 Nations Face-Off final on Thursday, and if it’s even half as good as their last tilt, hockey fans are in for a treat. The Americans won a heated battle Saturday, and the Canadians will be looking for revenge in the championship game.
In the round-robin matchup between these teams, the first true best-on-best meeting since 2016, the rivalry picked up where it left off and then some. After the Bell Centre crowd booed the U.S. national anthem, three fights took place over the first nine seconds. It was a raucous atmosphere, and we should expect more of the same Thursday in Boson.
The Americans stepped up in a hostile environment and notched a 3-1 win over their rivals to the north. Dylan Larkin had the game-winning goal and Jake Guentzel found the back of the net twice. Connor McDavid scored the lone Canadian goal, and Connor Hellebuyck stopped the other 25 shots he faced.
Coming into the rematch, both teams will be missing some key players. Canada’s blue line depth has already been tested in this tournament after it lost Vegas Golden Knights teammates Shea Theodore and Alex Pietrangelo. Theodore was injured in the team’s opening game against Sweden, and Pietrangelo bowed out due to illness.
The Americans will definitely be without Charlie McAvoy, who had to be hospitalized with an upper-body injury. Matthew Tkachuk, who missed the third period of the game against Canada and Team USA’s loss to Sweden, is expected to play. The same can be said for Auston Matthews, who is also dealing with a minor injury. Brady Tkachuk got injured in the Sweden game, and he missed practice Wednesday. His official status is still up in the air.
Team USA was hoping to add another star who was left off the initial roster with all of their injuries piling up. Quinn Hughes was reportedly en route to join the Americans as a replacement, but because of the rules instituted by the NHL before the tournament began, Team USA would have needed another injury to the squad in order for him to be installed. But with hope of Matthews and both Tkachuks being able to go, Hughes was not allowed to be added to the team.
Regardless of which players suit up, Thursday’s championship game is sure to be a knock-down, drag-out fight in TD Garden. It will also be the last chance we get to see these teams on the ice until the 2026 Olympics in Italy.
How to watch Team USA vs. Canada
Date: Thursday, Feb. 20 | Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: TD Garden — Boston
TV: ESPN | Streaming: fubo (try for free)
The highly anticipated match between the USA and Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off final is set to be a thrilling showdown between two of the top hockey teams in the world. For fans looking to catch all the action, here is a guide on when and where to watch the game.
The game is scheduled to take place on [date] at [time] at [location]. For those unable to attend in person, the game will be broadcasted on [TV channel]. Fans can tune in to watch the game live from the comfort of their own homes.
If you prefer to stream the game online, there are several options available. Many streaming services offer live sports coverage, including this highly anticipated hockey match. Fans can also check the official website of the tournament for any live stream options that may be available.
In addition to watching the game, fans can also follow along on social media for live updates and commentary. Many sports channels and websites will be providing real-time updates on the game, including highlights, scores, and player stats.
The USA vs. Canada hockey game is sure to be an exciting and intense matchup between two powerhouse teams. Whether you are a die-hard hockey fan or just looking to catch some thrilling sports action, be sure to tune in to watch this epic showdown.
