BOSTON — Team USA clinched a spot in the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off championship game with its 3-1 win over Team Canada in Saturday’s thrilling game.
With Monday’s game against Sweden bearing no weight for the U.S., coach Mike Sullivan was asked if he would adjust his lineup.
“We’re going to make decisions that we think are best for our team,” Sullivan said Sunday. “So we’re in process of going through that discussion now.”
It’s possible Team USA will need to replace Matthew Tkachuk — who was injured with 12:36 to go in the third period of Saturday’s win. The alternate captain didn’t go to the dressing room and remained on the end of the bench.
After the game, Tkachuk said there was no concern regarding his injury. His status for Monday is unclear.
“Matthew’s status is that right now he’s continuing to be evaluated,” Sullivan said. “I can’t give anything more specific than that.”
Should Tkachuk be unable to play against Sweden, Chris Kreider would slot into the lineup.
Even though Monday’s game has no impact on USA’s standings in the tournament, they still plan to bring the same intensity as they did on Saturday.
“I don’t think it’ll be too challenging,” USA defenseman Adam Fox said. “We brought that energy for the first two games, we don’t want to take our foot off the gas. … We gotta be ready and keep that energy level.”
Sweden still has a chance to make the final. Their fate could be determined before the 8 p.m. puck drop. Sweden needs Canada-Finland to go to overtime and then needs a regulation win over USA.
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