Team USA vs Sweden 4 Nations: Depleted USA Falls as Injuries Mount Ahead of Final Against Canada
BOSTON — The much-anticipated Team USA vs Sweden 4 Nations match on Monday night at TD Garden may not have carried any tournament implications, but the intensity on the ice proved that national pride was still at stake. With both teams giving it their all, Sweden managed to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory over a depleted Team USA, raising concerns ahead of the upcoming final against Canada.
Despite already securing their place in the championship game, Team USA entered the Team USA vs Sweden 4 Nations matchup with determination. However, Sweden, eager to prove itself after suffering two consecutive overtime losses, came out strong and capitalized on the Americans’ injury struggles.
The game saw an energetic start with Team USA’s Chris Kreider scoring just 35 seconds into the first shift. The hometown favorite, making his 4 Nations Face-Off debut, thrilled the Boston crowd by rebounding a loose puck past the Swedish goaltender.
However, Sweden didn’t take long to respond. Later in the opening period, Gustav Nyquist found the back of the net, leveling the score. As the game progressed, both teams battled hard, but it was Jesper Bratt of the New Jersey Devils who sealed Sweden’s victory with a decisive goal just 56 seconds before the final buzzer.
The biggest storyline coming out of the Team USA vs Sweden 4 Nations game wasn’t the loss itself but rather the increasing injury concerns for Team USA. Already struggling with a short bench, the Americans suffered further setbacks when key players had to sit out or leave the game prematurely.
Earlier in the day, Team USA head coach Mike Sullivan had ruled out forward Matthew Tkachuk (lower-body injury) and defenseman Charlie McAvoy, the latter of whom was admitted to Mass General Hospital with an upper-body injury. Just before warmups, the team received another major blow when captain Auston Matthews was declared unfit to play due to upper-body soreness.
The situation worsened in the first period when Brady Tkachuk awkwardly crashed into the goalpost. Although he attempted a brief return, playing only a 14-second shift, he was ultimately ruled out for the rest of the game after the first intermission.
“We held him out more for precautionary reasons at that point,” Sullivan said postgame. “I haven’t got an update after the game yet, so we’ll see how it responds, but I don’t anticipate it being an issue.”
With multiple players sidelined, Team USA was forced to ice a lineup with just 11 forwards, testing the endurance and depth of the squad. The loss of both Tkachuk brothers would be a major setback for Team USA, as their physicality and leadership have been instrumental throughout the tournament. However, Matthew assured that he would be ready for the final against Canada, and Brady would likely do the same.
While Team USA fell short in the Team USA vs Sweden 4 Nations contest, Chris Kreider’s performance was a highlight of the night. The New York Rangers forward, playing in front of a home crowd, was introduced as a starter and wasted no time making an impact.
Scoring just 35 seconds into his first shift, Kreider electrified the audience with a textbook rebound goal. The moment was particularly special as he skated on the top line alongside Jack Eichel and Brady Tkachuk—both players the Rangers have expressed interest in acquiring in past seasons.
“It was awesome, first shift, too,” Rangers teammate J.T. Miller said. “Chris has been a hell of a teammate, and to get the chance to come in today, produce, and get on the scoreboard, I’m happy for him.”
Despite Kreider’s early contribution, Team USA struggled to maintain offensive momentum as Sweden tightened its defense and took advantage of their opponent’s depleted roster.
Sweden entered the Team USA vs Sweden 4 Nations match determined to secure their first win after two tough overtime losses. Their persistence paid off as they played disciplined hockey and capitalized on their opportunities.
Nyquist’s first-period goal set the tone for Sweden, while Bratt’s late-game heroics ensured they would walk away with a morale-boosting victory. Sweden was also dealing with adversity, as key players like Mika Zibanejad and Rickard Rakell were scratched due to illness. Nevertheless, their depth players stepped up and delivered when it mattered most.
In addition to the physical toll of the tournament, illness has also been a major factor in the Team USA vs Sweden 4 Nations event. Several teams, including Canada and Sweden, have been dealing with flu outbreaks, forcing last-minute lineup changes.
Canada’s Cale Makar missed their first game against the U.S. due to illness but was well enough to play against Finland on Monday. Sweden also had to adjust with key players missing due to flu symptoms. This ongoing challenge could further impact the final between Team USA and Canada.
With the Team USA vs Sweden 4 Nations game now in the rearview mirror, all eyes are on the highly anticipated rematch between Team USA and Canada in the championship game.
Despite their loss, Team USA remains confident that they can regroup and deliver a strong performance in the final. Sullivan confirmed that the team has not yet started contacting reserve players, hoping that some of their injured stars will recover in time.
“We’re hopeful we’re going to get some of these guys back,” Sullivan said. “I would anticipate we would. We’ll have to wait and see how things play out here over the next day or so, but obviously, there will be contingency planning in the event that we need people.”
The Tkachuk brothers have been a driving force for Team USA, and their availability could be the deciding factor against a formidable Canadian squad. If both are able to play, it will significantly boost the Americans’ chances of claiming the 4 Nations Face-Off title.
The Team USA vs Sweden 4 Nations matchup may not have affected the tournament standings, but it served as a critical test for Team USA ahead of the championship game. While injuries and illness remain a concern, the resilience and depth of the American roster will be put to the test as they prepare to take on Canada in what promises to be an electrifying final.
With just a couple of days to recover and strategize, Team USA will need to regroup quickly. If key players can return, and if the team channels the energy they displayed in their early tournament victories, they have a strong chance to emerge victorious in the 4 Nations Face-Off championship.
