The Four Nations tourney continued today with the remaining two countries competing in USA versus Finland. We had fast action, hard forechecking and a bit of pushing and shoving from puck drop out in Montreal. Let’s take a look at how it went.

USA took to hard forechecking and finishing checks from the start of the first, perhaps getting under the skin of Finland a bit with a cross checking penalty coming to Joel Armia just 3 minutes in. Finland showed a strong penalty kill though with good sticks breaking up passes and chances from Eetu Luostarinen and Esa Lindell and multiple offsides committed by USA on their entry attempts into the offensive zone. Despite both USA power play units being absolutely stacked with talent (Jack Eichel, Matthew Tkachuk, Auston Matthews, Jake Guentzel and Adam Fox on the first unit – DAMN.) the power play did not yield any shots on net let alone scoring chances.

Finland would strike first after just a few back and forth minutes off a seemingly harmless 3 on 2 that saw Henri Jokiharju put one through a partial screen past Connor Hellebuyck. A classic ‘7-hole’ goal, between the goalie’s arm and chest that Hellebuyck never had a chance against with it also tipping off the back checking USA forward Kyle Connor. Unlucky.

After the goal Finland would keep the pressure up for most of the rest of the first frame, but we would see USA ring it off the post 2 separate times really keeping things close before a hard play to the net by Brady Tkachuk would even the game almost exactly halfway through the first period. Tkachuk caught a great pass right in the slot from Matt Boldy and while he didn’t get anything on his first shot attempt he’d jam it in on the second around Finland’s goaltender Juuse Saros. I thought this J.T. Miller – Matt Boldy – Brady Tkachuk line was the best of the first period with great forechecking and body check finishing.

I’m interested to see what, if any, line changes happen to either of these rosters. On one hand, keeping the lines in tact so they can get a chance to mesh well the whole tourney makes sense. But on the other hand, if things start to slip or not work well, I imagine the coaches will be quick to pull the trigger and juggle the lines. The Kyle Connor – Jack Eichel – Matthew Tkachuk line was switched up first, with Brady coming up to join his brother on the top line slotting easily into that left wing side. I, like almost anyone else with hype for this Team USA roster, could not WAIT to see the Tkachuk brothers out on the ice together and we got it in the second period (hijinks immediately occurred, to all of our delight) but I want to see it more. It was one of my most anticipated moments of the tournament to be honest. Crosby – McDavid – MacKinnon is very sick, but the Tkachuk brothers smashing them into the boards and going hard to the net relentlessly? Sign me up for that.

I also really liked the play from the 4th line on USA. We have Brock Nelson – Vincent Trochek – Dylan Larkin, a grind line that had good neutral zone play and one of the 2 posts hit in the first period. Larkin, Captain of the Detroit Red Wings can be slotted anywhere in this lineup, and I am pegging him to be moved around the lines as he brings an even presence and good value, especially in defensive times for USA. I think we’ll see a big goal from Larkin in this tournament and as a biased Wings fan, I can’t wait for it.

After honestly a really even first period the 1-1 tie would be broken by USA. 23 year old Matt Boldy would make it 2-1 off a tip in goal shot by Brock Faber from the point with just under 3 minutes remaining in the second frame. This ended the scoring in the second, but USA wasn’t done for the night. On a power play opportunity just 15 seconds into the 3rd period, Mathew Tkachuk would fling a harmless wrister from almost 60 feet that was accidentally tipped by Team Finland past Saros making it 3-1. This power play goal was the dagger, and Team USA never looked back. Off the NEXT faceoff, a strong neutral zone play from Captain Auston Matthews setup a Jake Guentzel goal just 9 seconds after Matty’s goal. Brady Tkachuk’s second goal of the game as well as Matty Tkachuk’s second goal of the game would bring it to 6-1, the final score of the evening. This is what I’ve been waiting for. A dream come to life, Brady and Matty on the ice together, combining for 4 goals in an opening smackdown for Team USA. What a couple of beauts.

With no matches scheduled on Friday, we get the day off before the double header on Saturday. First, Finland will face off against Sweden and I’m really looking forward to this one. Both teams will be desperate for a regulation win so right from puck drop I expect fast play and urgency on both sides. After that game is over the much anticipated first game between the tournament favorites Canada and USA will get going. This is the big one here of the first round. How will USA handle the high flying superstar speed of Canada’s McDavid and MacKinnon? What adjustments will Canada make to survive the physical onslaught and forechecking of USA and Trochek/J.T. Miller? Whatever happens, both games are going to be must watch hockey. Check back in on Sunday with me and we’ll dive into the details.