'Biggest game of my life': What Team USA is saying about Canada rematch

BOSTON — We’re so greedy, we wanted a second helping.

Turns out, the players did too.

On Thursday, we all dine like kings.

In the aftermath of Team USA’s mostly meaningless — but nonetheless entertaining — 2-1 loss to Sweden in the 4 Nations Face-Off’s penultimate game, we gathered the Americans’ initial reaction to learning that, yes, they will be facing a vengeful Team Canada for a championship.

Here’s what they’re saying south of the border…

Dylan Larkin, who scored the game-winner Saturday versus Canada and hasn’t appeared in the playoffs since he was a rookie, 10 years ago: “I was thinking about that, talking to my wife today. It’s been a long time since I’ve won something. There’s some guys in here that are in the same boat.

“I woke up from my nap and saw (Canada beat Finland) and wasn't surprised, to be honest with you. They’re a heck of hockey team, and it was such a great game Saturday, and we're gonna have to match that compete level and be ready for those guys. They're gonna be extremely hungry. And they don't want to lose two to us, and they want to win as well. It’s going to be a competitive hockey game. I think there'll be some nerves, but I hope it's that level that it was in Montreal.”

Jack Hughes, who owns a silver medal from the 2019 world juniors: “Canada’s probably one of the better teams here, so I don’t think there was too much of a shock. I think they’re obviously a great team, and I know they’re chomping at the bit to get us again. We’re really excited we get them, and that’s kind of what we were looking for.

“That game in Montreal is pretty special. And to get the chance to do that again, that'll be pretty cool. Something everyone in this room will look back on and say, ‘We're glad to be a part of that game.’”

Jack Eichel, Stanley Cup champion: “It means the world. You’re representing your country. This is huge. It’s the biggest game I’ve played in quite some time. Maybe ever. I’m really looking forward to it. I think everyone in the room is looking forward to it. That’s what we wanted, right?”

Matt Boldy, whose 2021 team defeated Canada for world junior gold: “It’s gonna be awesome. Being from Massachusetts and knowing what the fans are like here, I'm excited to see the energy they’re going to bring to this place. It was awesome in Montreal, and I know they're going to be just as good — if not better. It's the dream scenario. It's the biggest game that I ever played in, I think, in my whole life. So, it's exciting. But that's the matchup you want for us. For them. I'm sure for TV. For everything. It's the most exciting game.”

Mike Sullivan, Team USA head coach: “It's great for hockey that there's an opportunity for these two teams to meet again. Both teams have star power all around the lineup. It was a very competitive hockey game, the first game. I would anticipate the next one will be every bit as competitive, if not more. 

“The way that game was played, with the emotional investment on both sides, it’s just such an indication of how much these guys care and what this means to them. There's a lot of pride at stake, and it will be a hard-fought battle.

“It's a great celebration of hockey. It really is. I mean, there's some generational talents on both sides. It's so awesome, from my standpoint. I feel like I get the best seat in the house, being behind the bench and being up close to it. To watch what these guys do on the ice, at the pace that they're able to do it, sometimes we just marvel at what goes on out there with some of these guys.”

Matthew Tkachuk, on the TNT broadcast: “Stanley Cup, maybe Game 7 aside, this is probably the biggest game we’ve all played up until this point.

“We have 23 guys in there that will do absolutely everything they can for this game on Thursday. We are so excited for this opportunity and very thankful for this chance at home.

“I’m expecting the best environment I’ve ever played in Thursday night.”

Fox’s Fast Five

• The U.S. scratched its three captains — Matthew Tkachuk, Auston Matthews, and Charlie McAvoy — plus its No. 1 goaltender, Connor Hellebuyck, granting them four full days’ rest between Canada matches.

Earlier in the day, Brady Tkachuk had assured that big brother Matthew (lower body) was good to play.

Brady left Monday’s game with a lower-body injury of his own after a collision into Samuel Ersson’s net and was held out as a precautionary measure:

Matthews sat due to upper-body soreness, and McAvoy (upper body) was one of the most physical elements of Saturday’s showdown.

(In the two games he played, Matthews registered two shots on goal and notched one assist. He was a dominant 62.9 per cent in the dot.)

We bet that all the banged-up American forwards will be ready for the final.

We’re hearing that McAvoy is the bigger question mark.

“Our biggest strength has been sacrifice and how close we’ve become as a team,” Matthew Tkachuk said. “That has been our secret weapon.”

• Chris Kreider, 33, was scratched for the first two games. He needed all of 35 seconds to crash the net and score. He finished with three shots, complemented top centre Jack Eichel well, and pitched in on both special teams.

Has the speedy veteran given Sullivan something to think about when filling out Thursday’s lineup?

Well, Kreider’s style, the coach says, matches the occasion.

“He’s a big, strong kid that can play a physical game,” Sullivan says. “Both teams play a similar style. They’re north-south teams that play with a ton of speed and a ton of physicality. So, I think Kreids, his game, without a doubt, suits that.”

• Could USA use Quinn Hughes? No doubt.

But Zach Werenski has been phenomenal driving the Americans’ offence. The Blue Jackets defenceman leads the 4 Nations with five assists, topped all skaters in Monday’s double-header with six shots, and is deservedly getting his overdue shine.

“He had a big night for us tonight, just creating from the back end,” Jack Hughes says. “I think everyone on this team realizes how good he is at moving the puck up the ice and creating offence.”

• Sidney Crosby, 37, is the oldest player at the 4 Nations Face-Off. He arrived hurt.

As the dust settles on round-robin action, Crosby is the tournament’s co-leader in scoring (1-4–5).

• William Nylander, Monday morning, on whether he’d be tuning into Canada-Finland, knowing the matinee would need overtime to give Sweden a chance: “Oh, I’ll take a nap. See what happens when I wake up.”

Never change, Willy.