The 4 Nations Face-Off continued on Thursday evening as the United States romped over Finland in their first game of the round-robin tournament. Following a slow start, the Americans exploded with a four-goal third period en route to a dominant 6-1 win.
The Americans actually fell behind in the opening period after Buffalo Sabres defenseman Henri Jokiharju scored a seeing eye shot that got past goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.
The United States was able to finally get the puck into the back of the net when forward Brady Tkachuk scored just three minutes later. Tkachuk was able to corral the rolling puck enough to sweep it past goaltender Juuse Saros to tie the game.
The United States was then able to score five unanswered goals over the final two periods. Late in the second period, Minnesota Wild forward Matt Boldy scored off of a deflection on a point shot from Wild teammate Brock Faber.
In the third period, Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk netted a pair of goals, while his brother, Brady, tallied his second goal of the night.
The Americans’ offensive attack really exploded over the second half of the game.
Tkachuk Brothers Shine
It was certainly a night to remember for the Tkachuk family. Brady and Matthew Tkachuk became just the second set of brothers to each tally a goal in the same game at an NHL international tournament since Milan and Zbynek Michalek scored goals for the Czech Republic at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. The Tkachuk brothers also became the third set of brothers to tally multiple points in the same game as they joined Aaron and Neal Broten of the United States (1984 Canada Cup round robin) and Marian and Peter Stastny of Czechoslovakia (1976 Canada Cup round robin).
Entering the third period, the United States was clinging to a 2-1 lead. The Americans certainly didn’t waste any time putting their stamp on the game in the opening minute of the final period.
When the puck is thrown on net, sometimes good things can happen. Just 15 seconds into the final period, Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman slid the puck across to an open Matthew Tkachuk, and Tkachuk quickly sent a turnaround snapshot that got past Saros thanks to being tipped by Finnish defenseman Niko Mikkola.
Just under three minutes later, Brady scored for the second time on the night. Ironically enough, Matthew got the play started in the neutral zone when he was able to dig it free, and get it over to Eichel. Eichel then found a cutting Brady, and he was able to slide a backhander under Saros for the goal.
Despite being such a juggernaut on the back end, defenseman Zach Werenski also had an incredible game with a game-high three assists. Werenski logged 21:45 of ice time and partnered effectively with Charlie McAvoy throughout the game.
