Team USA Set to Face Canada in Title Game After Falling to Sweden in Nations Face-Off

Team USA suffered their first loss in the 4 Nations Face-Off on Monday night, going down 2-1 to Sweden at the TD Garden in Boston. 

Despite the defeat, they are set to play in the championship game on Thursday night at the same venue against Canada, whom they beat 3-1 on Saturday. 

Team USA was missing some key players in this match, with Matthew Tkachuk sidelined with a lower-body injury and Auston Matthews out due to illness. 

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In addition, Brady Tkachuk was injured early in the first period in an incident in Sweden’s zone, a situation worth monitoring leading up to the championship game against Canada. 

Despite the setbacks, Chris Kreider of the New York Rangers scored the first goal for Team USA, his first of the tournament. 

Kreider, who had not played in the tournament before, stepped up in the absence of other forwards, scoring within the first minute of the game. 

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Zach Werenski received a pass from Jack Eichel and took a shot on goal, which was saved by Samuel Ersson, but Kreider capitalized on the rebound to score. 

Sweden managed to take the lead after the first period when Jesper Bratt scored a goal in the final minute. 

Although Gustav Nyquist had earlier tied the game for Sweden with his first goal of the tournament. 

The second and third periods were scoreless, and despite a late push from Team USA in the third period, Sweden held on for the win. 

Team Sweden forward Jesper Bratt (63) is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a goal during the first period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team USA at TD Garden.  (Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images)

Team USA tried to mount a comeback with an extra attacker in the final stages, but Sweden held firm for their first victory of the tournament. 

Prior to this game, Sweden had lost to Canada and Finland in overtime, earning a total of two points. 

Despite the loss, Team USA will face off against Canada in what promises to be another intense match following the events of the previous game. 

During that game, three fights broke out in nine seconds after the U.S. players objected to the crowd booing during “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Canada opened the scoring through Connor McDavid, but Team USA responded with three unanswered goals to secure the win. 

Team Sweden forward Leo Carlsson (91) controls the park while Team USA defenseman Brock Faber (14) defends during the second period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at TD Garden. (Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images)

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The upcoming championship clash in Boston will see Canada, who defeated Finland 5-3 earlier, seeking revenge and bragging rights before the NHL season’s second half begins. 

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