Brady Tkachuk #7 of Team USA celebrates his second goal of the game against Team Finland (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
Team USA passed its first test by opening the Four Nations Face-off Thursday night against Finland. After two tight periods, the United States rolled off four goals to blow the game open to win 6-1 over Finland. The Americans have set themselves for a chance to clinch a spot in the championship game next Thursday in Boston.
Matthew and Brady Tkachuk led the way. Matthew was the player of the game, recording three points, including two goals, but his brother Brady showed he was not afraid of the big stage. He scored two goals in the USA victory, and as he joked with the media, he was able to step up on the big stage after watching his brother Matthew make those deep playoff runs.
"Well, we've always joked, I think I've lead the league, and most playoff games watch without playing, so I've gotten a lot of experience from that," Brady Tkachuk said.
However, all kidding aside, Team USA is set for a big game on Saturday at the Bell Centre when they take on Canada. With the Americans getting three points for their regulation win against Finland on Thursday and Canada only getting two points for their win on Wednesday in overtime against Sweden, this is the biggest game Brady Tkachuk will play in.
"Well, I think it's gonna be the biggest game I've ever played in my career," Tkachuk told RG. "So I'm really looking forward to that."
There is a long rivalry between the United States and Canada not only in hockey but in all sports. But recently, the Americans are starting to get on the level of the Canadians, and there is so much riding on this game Saturday.
While the United States was not looking ahead to Canada, when the tournament schedule was first released, everyone was circling the United States vs. Canada game Saturday night at the Bell Centre. So, this game does not need any more added pressure; the hype is already there.
“Yeah, there's a big build-up to it. And US vs. Canada. It's bigger than just the guys on the ice. It's so many people past, present and future down the road, I was just so excited for it," Tkachuk said to RG. "So yeah, I think we've been talking about that game especially, and really excited to experience it."
However, the players are not the only ones looking forward to this game on Saturday night. The coaches understand the importance of the game. And the significance of the US-Canada game being played in Montreal at the Bell Centre.
"I know the environment will be electric," Team USA Head Coach Mike Sullivan told RG. "It will be a really fun environment to participate in. I know both sides are looking forward to this opportunity."
With Saturday night’s game being so important in the standings, with the winner having a high probability of making the final on Thursday, preparation and how a team handles their business is most important, especially with so much respect and pride on the line for both sides.
There is nothing like hockey on a Saturday night at the Bell Centre in Montreal. With so much going on off the ice, Team USA and Canada's game this Saturday will be intriguing and have ramifications for the rest of the tournament.
Jim Biringer
