Hey, have you glued yourself to the chairs yet? The 4-nations face-off has come down to two, and the excitement has skyrocketed. The biggest hockey event is going to happen in Boston, and considering how political tensions between the USA and Canada have been palpable since the beginning of the tournament, it would have been a surprise if politics didn’t come up ahead of the final game.

The Canadian left winger Brad Marchand was in conversation with the reporters just hours before the USA face-off. When asked about the President of the United States wishing Team USA for the championship game and if there was any message that Justin Trudeau had sent the Canadian locker room’s way, the 36-year-old said, “I’m not getting into that stuff,” with a hint of a smile on his face.

Donald Trump had called Team USA before the finale of the 4-nations face-off against Canada and wished them luck. Talking about this USA forward, Brock Nelson said to NHL reporters, “Pretty incredible. For him to take time out of his day, wish us luck, and talk about just enjoying the moment …It’s pretty special and something I’ll remember forever.” There was also an anticipation surrounding President Trump’s presence in the arena. However, he said, “I will be speaking before the governors tonight in D.C., and will sadly, therefore, be unable to attend.”  “But we will all be watching,” he added. 

But to get back to Brad Marchand, though he did not reveal if Trudeau had called the team, he cleared the air by saying, “Everybody rallies behind the national teams of either country. There’s so much pride in the Canadian country and its hockey team. And it’s always been that way. It’s always been something that when these games are on everyone in the country sits down and watches them, it’s all people talk about and it gives people belief in, you know, whatever it is.” And how would everyone not be excited? It’s the championship game and a rematch! You wouldn’t want to miss it!

Brad Marchand’s team and Team USA locked in for the finale of the 4-nations face-off 

Even people who haven’t watched a hockey game before are talking about watch parties. The Saturday game was a tough one for Canada. And experts say that the Connor Hellebuyck factor may put the USA at an advantage against their neighbors. And honestly, few can disagree. Coming off a terrific NHL season, Hellebuyck has only been breached twice in the competition, and has an insane save percentage of .957. Although he was rested against Sweden, he is set to make his return to the ice in the final. And guess what? He is not the only one who is coming back.

It looks like both of the Tkachuk brothers, who had suststained injuries during the tournament, are making a comeback for the big game. USA was clear about what the two brothers bring to the team, “I think Brady and Matthew, first and foremost, are really good hockey players, and they’ve been a big part of the success that we’ve enjoyed to this point in this tournament. I also think they have the ability, through their personality, to give our team a whole lot of confidence and swagger.”  No arguments there considering how the brothers literally took the fight to the Canadians on Saturday and set the tone for a US win. 

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That being said, it all starts from zero on Thursday. While the USA have recent history on their side, Canadian domination of hockey goes further back in time, and Brad Marchand and co. are sure to give everything their all on the big night.

As the game starts, the most important part would be to attack and dominate by offensive leads. Let’s see who makes the first and last move on the ice.