By Miguel Mike Medina
It’s a rematch of last Saturday’s game, which the USA won 3-1. Matthew and Brady Tkachuk will play tonight against Canada, even though they are not 100 percent.
There were three fights in less than 2 minutes in the previous matchup. The Tkachuk brothers were involved. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he saw fireworks once again tonight.
Canadian fans booed the US national anthem because of President Donald Trump’s tariffs. This moment elevated the rivalry between both countries on the ice.
Can Canada take advantage of a banged up of the USA team? Can they figure out how to break through goalie Connor Hellebuyck?
Hellebuyck got the best out of Team Canada in the last matchup when he made 25 saves out of 26 shots. Canada will need to go through him to win tonight.
Cale Makar didn’t play in the last game due to illness. He will suit up for tonight’s game and can be a difference-maker for Canada. Makar is one of the best defensemen in the game. His presence is vital.
Team USA will be missing its defenseman, Charlie McAvoy. The 27-year-old remains hospitalized at Massachusetts General Hospital with an infection in his right shoulder and a significant injury to his AC joint.
Who can be his replacement? The USA needs a defenseman, and the man who will take the reigns is Vancouver Canucks’ Quinn Hughes.
The USA is looking to make a statement once again, and Canada is looking for vengeance. Tonight’s game is a massive deal for both countries and hockey fans.
The 4 Nations Face-Off championship coverage begins on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET. USA vs. Canada will start at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
X: @mmm_sportnfilms, Instagram: @miguel_cf and @themmmjournal, LinkedIn: The MMM Journal, TikTok: @miguelmikemedina
