BOSTON – Everyone on both sides of the US and Canada on Thursday knows this was the matchup everyone wanted.
However, after Bell Center became the UFC Octagon in three battles within the team's first nine seconds last Thursday in Montreal, the clash becomes even more predictable event than before the tournament began. I did.
“The only thing that went through my heart was that the first game was a really great hockey game,” said Team USA head coach Mike Sullivan. “For hockey, I think it's great that these two teams have the opportunity to meet again. Both teams have star power around the lineup. It's a very competitive hockey game. , was the first game. The next one is expected to be competitive, if not more. After the match against Canada, the way that game plays, emotional investments on both sides As I said, it shows how much these people care and what this means to them.
“There's a lot of pride in danger, and it's going to be a fierce battle. That's what I expect. So I think it's a great celebration of hockey. It's really. I mean, generations on both sides. There are some talents. From my perspective, it's really great.”
Over the two days from Monday's slate to championship game, the consensus is that it will be beneficial for both teams after overcoming the Montreal-to-Boston snowstorm.
Logistically, a few players, especially Americans, need the rest after the competitive round robin portion.
“I said it's been a long time since I won something today,” Dylan Larkin said. “I know there are other people on the same boat. There are a lot on the line.”
Canadian head coach John Cooper has a message to his best players before Monday's 5-3 victory in Finland scored his team's spot in the 4 Nations face-off final Ta.
“It's here, I spoke with Connor. [McDavid]if you remember against the US, he's basically one-on-one [goalie Connor] Hellebuyck and he cross [Sam] He said at a post-game press conference. “I was talking to Connor. Someone has to shoot it online. Why don't you? To see what he did with the first goal of the game. And he went round and got it and got a great screen.
“To meet those guys last night and win a hockey game, you have to be very selfless, but it's odd that you have to tell the players sometimes to be selfish. Being selfish is like you have to shoot it online. [Nathan] Mackinnon did it twice, Mac did it once. [Sidney] A little more distance crossby [on an empty-netter]. ”
Consider the messages you received.
Canada's big three – McDavid, Crosby and McKinnon – scored four goals and six points.
