MONTREAL (AP) — The anticipation is palpable as Team USA prepares to face off against Team Canada at the iconic Bell Centre on Saturday night as part of the 4 Nations Face-off. This matchup holds special significance, being the first time these two hockey powerhouses meet with NHL players since the 2004 World Cup of Hockey, and fans are buzzing with excitement.
For Boston Bruins' defenseman Charlie McAvoy, the hostility of the Bell Centre crowd is not new, as he faces off against his rival Canadiens regularly. “You’re not welcome here,” McAvoy remarked with respect to the formidable atmosphere the Canadian fans create. The heightened rivalry amplifies the stakes for players, as U.S. winger Jake Guentzel noted, “Saturday night in Canada, against Canada, I don’t think there’s muchbetter than this for a hockey player of this level. The crowd’s going to be intense.”
Team USA will be led by stars including Auston Matthews, the Tkachuk brothers, Brady and Matthew, and Jack Eichel. The Americans come off the back of a convincing 6-1 victory against Finland earlier this week. With players such as Brady Tkachuk, who had two goals and eight hits against Finland, the U.S. aims to prove it has reached the competitive level of its Northern neighbors.
On the Canadian side, they're stacked with renowned players like Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, and Nathan MacKinnon. Their recent performance saw Canada dispatch Sweden with flair, showcasing their explosive talent. McDavid expressed the excitement surrounding the upcoming clash, saying, “It’s a big game. Playing the Americans in Montreal, best-on-best tournament, it’s what you dream of.”
For both teams, this matchup is not just another game; it’s a chance to showcase international prowess on the ice. Head Coach of Team USA, Mike Sullivan, stressed the necessity of hard work: “You’ve got to earn it every shift, you’ve got to earn it every game. This team is different from years past, and Canada’s the same way. We’ve got to go out, and we’ve got to earn it.”
Drew Doughty, Canada’s defenseman, shares this sentiment of rivalry. “Growing up as a young kid, ... you want to beat them so bad,” Doughty said, highlighting the deep-rooted competitive spirit present not only between players but also among the nations. This game has layers of intensity, powers of national pride, and historical ramifications.
Fans should expect the atmosphere to be electric, especially considering the potential confrontations and the geopolitical backdrop between the two countries, evident from the recent wave of political tension. The presence of vocal American fans was evident when Canadian fans booed “The Star-Spangled Banner” before their match against Finland. “I know my family was there, but I couldn’t find them. It was all Canadian crowd,” McAvoy recollected, relating to his previous experience at the World Juniors.
With both teams listed as co-favorites for the tournament, Saturday evening's face-off allows them to stake their claim decisively on the international stage. The U.S. looks to reinforce its revival as a contender, especially after their surprising performance at the 2022 Beijing Olympics where they bested Canada 4-2 only to endure early elimination from the tournament.
Coverage of the game begins at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT across several platforms, including ABC and ESPN+. The atmosphere will surely be charged as multiple sets of NHL teammates turn rivals, adding to the drama on ice. NHL fans will witness this rivalry stimulate, creating memories reminiscent of previous encounters engraved in the sport’s history.
The tension builds as the two neighboring nations prepare to clash yet again, with players eager to let their play speak volumes. With high stakes riding on the outcome, the contest not only continues the historic rivalry but also serves to remind fans and players alike of the rich tradition of hockey excellence shared between these two countries.
Let’s watch as the puck drops tonight and see which team can capitalize on their strengths and triumph as kings of the 4 Nations Face-off.