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USA, CANADA AND HOCKEY FANS
Tighten up those chin straps — and then tighten them up some more — because USA vs. Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off championship tonight won’t be for the faint of heart. The Americans and the Canadians fought three times in the first nine seconds of their round-robin meeting before the Americans won, 3-1, last weekend and both sides seem eager to lay it all on the line again.
The USA will be without Charlie McAvoy (shoulder), and some other stars are banged up. Austin Nivison breaks down which Americans will shine.
Nivison:“Auston Matthews — Since the start of the 2023-24 season, no one has scored more goals than Matthews (89), and that elite scoring touch makes him an extremely valuable weapon. His wicked release and pinpoint accuracy allow Matthews to score from anywhere in the offensive zone, and that should come in handy for testing Canadian goalie Jordan Binnington, who has looked shaky at various times throughout the tournament.”
Really, though, we’re all winners here. If you’re a hockey fan, great. If you’re not, tonight’s a great chance to become one. Pete Blackburn explains why this one is so important … and so fun.
Blackburn:“There continues to be a steady stream of high-end talent coming out of American programs, and many are finally getting their first opportunity to represent their country (and its growth in the sport) at the top level with this tournament. And while the tournament may not be inherently ‘important,’ it’s clear that the opportunity to showcase how…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/usa-canada-4-nations-face-off-championship-game-preview-no-15-missouri-upsets-no-4-alabama/
Author : Zachary Pereles
Publish date : 2025-02-20 13:59:00
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