MONTREAL – Matthew Tokachuk didn't play at the final 12:36 of Team USA's 3-1 victory on Saturday night at Bell Center, but the Panthers are sure he's fine.
“No, I'm not worried at all,” said Tkachuk, who, along with his brother Brady, had the heart and soul of Team USA. “I'm going to enjoy this victory tonight. Apart from last year's Game 7, this was the highlight of my hockey career. I'm going to enjoy it with everyone.
“There's a really fun group out there. We'll be on a fun plane tonight. Lots of laughs. We have a lot of fun with those guys.”
However, Director Mike Sullivan pumped the brakes of Tkachuk's declaration.
“Matthew is now suffering a lower body injury,” the American bench boss said. “He's been evaluated by our doctors. That's all I can offer to you. I've made the decisions I think are best for Matthew and I think it's best for the team. For now, I'll continue. It's hard for me to give you more because I don't have much information to do.”
The US will hold another round-robin contest to face Sweden on Monday before Thursday's final in Boston.
Sullivan and the rest of his staff may consider taking a break from Tkachuk, where Rangers advance Chris Cryder into the lineup.
Kreider was a healthy scratch for Team USA in his second straight game on Saturday night.
“It's difficult, they're not easy conversations,” Sullivan said in the morning. “Obviously we have to make a lineup decision. Every player that is part of this team is an elite player. And they are all people on each of the NHL teams. I with him. The approach has been having an honest conversation with him since day one. They understand what the situation is.
“What I say to you is Chris and [Jake Sanderson] It was amazing. They are great teammates, they are great people and they know that it's an honor to be part of this whole experience. They are a message to me, “When you ask us, we are ready.”
The US has stuck to a lineup change that will help them dominate the third term, which won the four-country tournament opening in Finland.
After holding the show in the first game, Brady and Matthew Tkachuk remained on Jack Eichel's wings.
Jake Gunzel, Orton Matthews and Jack Hughes remained, while JT Miller switched to the left wing of Dylan Larkin and Matt Boldy.
Line 4 featured Brock Nelson, Vincent Trocheck and Kyle Connor.
Zach Welensky remained as a top defensive pairing on the left side of Charlie McAvoy, while Adam Fox went to Noah Honeyfin from his skate with Jacob Slavin. Slavin is on the left side of the third pair next to the block faber.
“I think it's a little different. You're just trying to convey a more different system,” Fox said of his process adapting to a new defence partner. “Everyone plays this system that Sally has. It's a little different to what the team does. But everyone on that backend is a great player, so that's really the best communication. .”
Despite starting their first game with Team USA's top power play unit, Fox was replaced by Werenski during a Finnish match. He is currently in the second unit.
Former ranger Kapo Kakoko made his tournament debut in Finland when he won Sweden on Saturday.
The Seattle forward replaced Joel Armia and skated on the right wing of the fourth line next to Teuvo Teravanen and Eric Haura.
“Boobs, he's been playing a good game recently, so I hope he can win the fight and fresh feet,” Finnish coach Antti Penanen said. “Armia, he's really okay, but there are some penalties so he's out.”
