Sullivan says everyone except Charlie McAvoy available vs. Canada
Head coach Mike Sullivan told reporters that everyone is available for the 4 Nations Face-Off final, except for defenceman Charlie McAvoy.
admin
The United States will be close to full strength heading into their rematch against Canada on Thursday.
Head coach Mike Sullivan told reporters that everyone is available for the 4 Nations Face-Off final, except for defenceman Charlie McAvoy.
Sullivan also added that determining the lineup will be a “game-time decision.”
McAvoy played for the U.S. in their first two round-robin games but has since been absent due to a shoulder injury. He’s currently listed as week-to-week.
Meanwhile, both Auston Matthews (upper-body) and Matthew Tkachuk (lower-body) will make their returns in stars and stripes after missing USA’s round-robin finale, a 2-1 loss to Sweden on Monday. Brady Tkachuk is also ready to go for Thursday’s blockbuster final despite leaving that loss in the first period after he crashed into the net.
It’s no secret that the gold medal matchup is highly anticipated by both sides. A game 15 years in the making for the cross-border rivals. Likely why players appear willing to suit up even if they’re still nursing injuries.
Matthews said as much, letting people know there was “no way that I was missing this game. I’ll be ready to go.”
The U.S. took the first contest between the bordering nations during round-robin play, winning 3-1 last Saturday.
