Setting the stage for the big gold medal game
BOSTON – Jaccob Slavin and Team USA go head-to-head with Seth Jarvis’ Team Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game on Thursday.
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When: Thursday, Feb. 20
Puck Drop: 8:00 p.m. ET
Watch: ESPN+, ESPN; SN, TVAS
Odds at Time of Publishing, via Fanatics Sportsbook: Canada -110 / USA -110
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Canada’s Group Record: 1-1-0-1 (5 Points – 2nd)
Canada’s Last Game: 5-3 Win over Finland on Monday, Feb. 17
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USA’s Group Stage Record: 2-0-0-1 (6 Points – 1st)
USA’s Last Game: 2-1 Loss to Sweden on Monday, Feb. 17
HERE WE GO 🤩
CANADA VS. USA FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP!
📺: #4Nations Face-Off Championship Game THURSDAY at 8p ET on @espn, @ESPNPlus, @Sportsnet and @TVASports pic.twitter.com/JmFZABtVbO
Saturday’s head-to-head clash became an instant classic when three unexpected fights broke out in the first nine seconds of play.
In a tense game throughout, the U.S. went on to take a 3-1 victory, led by multiple points from former Hurricane Jake Guentzel and Red Wing Dylan Larkin.
The NHL announced on Tuesday that the broadcast pulled in an amazing 10.1 million viewers in the US and Canada. Nielsen fast-nationals showed an average of 4.4 million viewers and a peak of 5.2 million in the U.S., making it the most-viewed non-Stanley Cup Final hockey telecast since 2019.
May we quickly revisit a line from our 4 Nations preview?
“It feels safe to say that many around the globe will become further aware of Slavin’s defensive abilities over the next two weeks.”
Check.
With a +3 rating that ranks tied atop all defensemen in the tournament, Slavin leads Team USA in average time on ice with 21:31 through three contests. He shone brightest during Saturday’s headliner, logging a game-high 25:36 and routinely stymieing the stars of Team Canada en route to a 3-1 victory.
If the U.S. is going to have success tonight, Slavin’s defensive abilities are likely going to play a big role in that.
The youngest player on Canada’s roster earned an assist in the first game of the tournament, playing a depth role on the star-studded roster. However, by the end of round-robin play, he was the healthy extra for the group.
He was again the odd man out at yesterday’s practice, but that doesn’t mean it’s a guarentee he won’t be needed tonight. Canada, among other teams, has had issues with a circulating illness, and if someone can’t go, Jarvis would need to be at the ready.
He did joke that he’d be willing to play right defense, if needed…
Jaccob Slavin had the hockey world talking 👏 pic.twitter.com/rNu79cB0UZ
