Greg Wysinski
BOSTON – Canadian coach John Cooper disliked the outcome, but Team USA’s thrilling and brutal 3-1 victory in the NHL four-country showdown on Saturday night is a transcendental moment for hockey I had to admit it.
“The game is in a better place because last night’s game existed,” he said Sunday.
At its peak, 5.4 million American viewers saw the inter-national tournament game between the first “best on best” tournament games since 2016. However, the game attracted even more attention after Montreal fans booed the US national anthem. I protested President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian imports and his proposal to make Canada the 51st US state.
“I knew it was going to be an electric start, but I might not have expected three fights in the first nine seconds,” said Sweden’s Jesper Bratt. “The arena was already pretty loud and the fans were already really emotionally involved. I think that kind of thing took it to the next level.”
Team USA players Matthew, Brady Tokachuk and JT Miller each fought to open the game. The US won in regulations to win the final spot in the Thursday night 4 Nations Championship in Boston. The opening faceoff battle of Matthew Taekk is the fastest ever in the NHL International Games, surpassing the previous record of 20 seconds at the 1996 Hockey World Cup, and with Matthew’s father Keith Tokkk and Team USA’s general Manager Bill has been involved. Gerin.
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Matthew Tokachuk suffered a lower body injury at 12:36 at the end of the third term. Team USA coach Mike Sullivan said Tkachuk “continues to be appreciated” and did not reveal his star status for the Florida Panthers in Monday’s game against Sweden.
Canadian forward Travis Connekney said the fighting trio made the game stand out on Saturday night.
“We’re one of the only sports we’re still fighting. It’s war,” said Connecney, who plays for the Philadelphia Flyers. “It’s funny. Putting the flag behind something meaningful, the guys’ switch flips a bit.”
Cooper admitted that there are “denials” when it comes to fighting hockey.
“You can say anything about the fight, but that’s what sparked the game. Then both teams bend and no one backed up. Then a hockey game broke out and it was It was great,” Cooper said. “Not only get the best players in the world, but also try to score, but when you actually check, this is what you get. You hold your breath every time you have a chance to score. I will. Be the last one.”
The game attracted attention from people outside of the hockey world.
“After the game, you saw things. I was talking a lot about the other leagues and what they’re going to do with the All-Star break. And you see Tkachuks going crazy. ” said Jack Hughes of Team USA. “It was a great event for hockey and honestly, it definitely exceeded my expectations. And I’m sure it’s for a lot of fans too.”
US center Vincent Trocheck, who plays for the New York Rangers, noted that four countries have replaced the NHL All-Star Game this season.
“When you see these things, strength and emotions, and how many people actually care about their country, win and represent them, you can’t really compete with it,” he says. Ta. “It’s not comparable to the All-Star Game or the Pro Bowl or whatever. It’s like playoff hockey. It’s like Game 7 every night.”
Other teams in the tournament were also adored by the US-Canada showdown. Swedish coach Sam Haram praised the sentiment driven by national hockey rivalries ranging from juniors around the world to four countries. Finnish forward Eric Haula said it was “a great hockey game between great players.”
“It’s great for the game and it’s just a show of the passion that everyone is playing for their country and what it means to everyone,” he said.
What the game means for our hockey is that the championship can bring even more rematches with Canada, something Sullivan is considering in the aftermath.
“I thought it was an incredible hockey celebration,” Sullivan said. “It’s great for the sport itself. I’ve come to want to play the game to another generation of younger players, like the 1980 The Miracle on Ice team, like the event that influenced my generation. There are many such events. It inspires the next generation of players.”
Canada will face Finland on Monday at 1pm at TD Garden at 1pm and face exclusion if the Finns win. The US will face Sweden at 8pm
