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Canada vs. USA in Boston
Date: Thursday, Feb. 20
Time: 8 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
The pick — Canada ML (-110, BetMGM)
The rematch everyone was hoping for will be played Thursday at Boston’s TD Garden.
Canada vs. USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off final became official after the Canadians hung on to beat Finland 5-3 on Monday. The Americans had already clinched a spot in the final with their emotional 3-1 victory over Canada, so Monday’s 2-1 loss to Sweden was meaningless.
What isn’t meaningless is Team USA’s health issues.
Matthew Tkachuk’s lower-body injury prevented him from finishing the game against Canada, and he was kept out of the lineup against the Swedes as a precaution. His brother Brady started Monday’s game but was ruled out after just one period. With top defenseman Charlie McAvoy (shoulder) already ruled out, the U.S. lineup could look very different.
Meanwhile, Canada got healthier. Defenseman Cale Makar will be back after missing the loss to USA, and the lineup changes really clicked as the Canadians produced five goals against Finland to secure a place in the 4 Nations title game.
Momentum is a hell of a thing. Right now, Canada has it.
Physical play and lock-down defense were the big keys in the Americans’ victory against Canada. With the Tkachuks either out or not 100%, I just feel the Canadians have the edge. They’ll be playing with a massive chip on their shoulders after losing to the U.S. in their home country, and I don’t see them losing again with Sidney Crosby as captain, something that had never happened until last Saturday.
Season record: 18-18-2, +1.6 units