Team USA Faces Injury Concerns Ahead of 4 Nations Face-Off Final Against Canada

Despite a depleted lineup and injury concerns of key players, Team USA remained focused on its upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off championship clash against Canada on Thursday. The Americans fell 2-1 to Sweden on Monday night in a game that held no impact on the tournament standings. Earlier in the day, Canada secured its spot in the final by defeating Finland in regulation, setting up a highly anticipated rematch with the U.S. The two teams last met in Montreal on Saturday, where the Americans prevailed 3-1 in a hard-fought battle.

Recently, Team USA opted to rest key players for precautionary reasons. Forwards Matthew Tkachuk and Auston Matthews, along with defenseman Charlie McAvoy, were held out against Sweden. Their absence, combined with an already reduced roster, forced the U.S. to ice just 17 skaters—11 forwards and six defensemen.

“I’m expecting the best environment I’ve ever played in on Thursday night and I’m so excited.” : Matthew Tkachuk said.

U.S. head coach Mike Sullivan provided little detail on Brady Tkachuk’s injury following Monday night’s loss to Sweden, stating only that the forward was also kept out for “precautionary reasons” and that no immediate update was available.

To compensate, New York Rangers forward Chris Kreider and Ottawa Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson were added to the lineup. Kreider made an immediate impact, scoring the lone goal for the Americans in the loss.

Things took another turn when forward Brady Tkachuk suffered a lower-body injury just minutes into the first period. While driving toward the net, Tkachuk lost his edge and crashed into the goal frame, appearing to be in discomfort as he returned to the bench. Though he attempted a brief shift later in the period, he ultimately exited for the locker room and did not return for the second. USA Hockey later confirmed that he would sit out the remainder of the game.

Despite the setback, the focus remains on Thursday’s final at TD Garden, where Team USA will look to reclaim its dominance against Canada.

“We’ll probably have more information (Tuesday) with those guys,” said Sullivan.

Meanwhile, defenseman Charlie McAvoy was also absent from Team USA’s final round-robin game at TD Garden. Sullivan—who is also McAvoy’s father-in-law—confirmed postgame that the bruising blueliner is dealing with an upper-body injury. However, concerns about the severity of McAvoy’s condition grew after reports surfaced late Monday that he had been admitted to Massachusetts General Hospital for treatment.

McAvoy’s availability for Thursday’s championship showdown against Canada remains uncertain. The exact cause of his injury is unclear, as he completed Saturday’s game against Canada without visible issues. However, there was a moment of concern during Team USA’s victory over Finland last Thursday when McAvoy grabbed at his shoulder after being cross-checked into the post by Joel Armia. Whether that incident played a role in his current condition remains to be seen.

Auston Matthews’s absence from Team USA’s game against Sweden has also raised concerns, though his injury isn’t considered that serious. Earlier this season, he missed 15 games due to an upper-body issue, and now a lower-body injury has sidelined him again.

With his history of setbacks, Maple Leafs fans have reason to worry, especially with Toronto eyeing a deep Stanley Cup run. Even with injuries, Matthews has tallied 20 goals and 25 assists in 40 games, but his team needs him healthy.

While he’s expected to play in Thursday’s rematch against Canada, his potential absence would be a major blow to an already depleted Team USA.

Images Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images