The United States and Canada will do battle one more time in the championship game of the 4 Nations Face-Off. However, the Americans have been affected by the injury bug heading into Thursday's pivotal matchup for international supremacy.
A lower-body injury will keep forward Matthew Tkachuk from playing for Team USA against Sweden in the 4 Nations Face-Off game Monday night in Boston.
The Americans recognized the opportunity they lost at the 4 Nations Face-Off, but will be strong next year in Italy.
With the Americans' spot in the final already set in stone, coach Mike Sullivan elected to rest the likes of Auston Matthews, Matthew Tkachuk ... However, Charlie McAvoy, who also missed ...
This little mid-season tournament proved to be something much greater, and the NHL must now deal with the ramifications.
Team USA and Team Canada, Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy threw a monster hit on Connor McDavid while in the defensive zone. Just 30 seconds after, Jake Guentzel scored for Team USA to tie the game up at 1-1.
McAvoy and Tkachuk did not participate in morning skate for Team USA, which already secured a spot in Thursday's TD Garden final vs. Canada, but Matthews was scratched close to puck drop. Brady Tkachuk was then lost for the night after a first-period collision.
Introduced as a “special guest” by Team USA head coach (and his father in-law) Mike Sullivan, McAvoy — sporting a sling on his right arm — earned a round of applause from his teammates after entering the room.
According to the Boston Globe, Charlie McAvoy was admitted to Mass. General Hospital due to injury from play in the 4 Nations Face-Off.
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