Could Matthew Tkachuk take advantage of Team USA's early clinch into the 4 Nations Face-Off final by sitting out Monday against Sweden?
It's a possibility, but U.S. head coach Mike Sullivan didn't give any indication about what the Florida Panthers forward's status was as of Sunday afternoon.
He "is continuing to be evaluated," Sullivan said, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman. Tkachuk suffered what Sullivan called a lower-body injury in Saturday's win over Canada that booked the American's ticket to the 4 Nations final.
Tkachuk skated just 11:10 in the hotly contested victory and just 1:13 in the third period. After his game-opening fight, the 27-year-old recorded three shots on goal and two hits but didn't crack the score sheet.
He went to the bench in the third just nine seconds into a shift and skated around several times testing out something that was bothering him. He appeared to tell assistant coach John Tortorella at one point he “couldn't go.”
Asked multiple times about how he was feeling after the game, Tkachuk brushed off the injury and tried to change the subject.
“No concern at all,” Tkachuk said. "I feel good. Definitely way better after a win. Should be all good.”
In Team USA's tournament-opening win over Finland, Tkachuk scored two goals and added an assist.
Veteran winger Chris Kreider could slide into the lineup in Tkachuk's place against Sweden should he sit out.
You can watch as the Americans welcome Sweden to Boston on Monday night on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+. Action gets underway at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.
— With files from The Associated Press.
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