Team USA's Brady Tkachuk Sends Bold Message to Team Canada
After a wild and heated game between Team USA and Team Canada, American forward Brady Tkachuk had a strong message for the Canadians after the clash.
It was arguably the most exciting game of hockey played in a long time, as Team Canada and Team USA started off with a trio of fights -- in nine seconds nonetheless -- but it came at a cost for the Americans as Matthew Tkachuk was injured in the game and his status is questionable.
His brother Brady on the other hand came out unscathed, and had a strong message for his Northern rivals, and gave a reason as to why the hostilities started the game off:
A rematch between the two teams is what we all want to see, and with such high stakes -- how can these two meet in the Finals?
Team Canada vs. Team USA Final Would Be Instant Classic
It's a little convoluted but here's how both teams can make it. If Canada beats Finland in regulation, they will punch their ticket against the U.S. in the finals.
If they go to OT and Sweden beats the U.S in regulation -- Sweden goes for gold. If Finland pulls off the upset against Canada, they play the Americans.
It's truly a tournament of anyone's game, and for the Canadians, they need to dominate Finland and set the tone not only for Monday's game, but for the rematch against the U.S.
It's time for players like Brayden Point, Brandon Hagel, Seth Jarvis, Brad Marchand and others to pick up the slack -- Canada cannot rely on a Sidney Crosby vintage performance every game.
However, if they do end up meeting in the finals -- expect fireworks aplenty. If Matthew Tkachuk is still out injured, that's a massive boost for the Canadians, and you may see another trio of fights break out come Thursday.
Canada is expected to have their injured return on Monday as Cale Makar, though a game-time decision, is expected to play and will no doubt be in the lineup if they reach the finals.
Makar missed the first game against the Americans and his absence could have been a huge factor into why Canada didn't get their offense going -- and why the U.S. did.
If the first game was any indication about how things may play out: I truly hope it lives up to the hype and it cements itself as a modern classic -- as we all hoped for.
![Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) plays the puck against Team Finland in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/529741.webp "Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) plays the puck against Team Finland in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images")
![Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates with Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) his goal against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/529526.webp "Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates with Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) his goal against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images")
