The 4 Nations Face-Off opened with a bang as Brady and Matthew Tkachuk took the ice together for the first time on a big stage, delivering a dominant, physical, and high-energy performance. The Tkachuk brothers each netted two goals, proving why they were selected for Team USA. Their relentless energy and aggressive style of play set the tone as the United States overpowered Finland 6-1 in a game packed with intensity and physical battles.
"That's the way we play, one of the reasons why we're on the team," said Matthew Tkachuk, the reigning Stanley Cup champion who racked up three points. "You don't change your game. You play your identity. It's up to us and the rest of the guys to play to our strengths. That's one of them."
From the very start, Team USA brought the heat. Everyone was finishing their checks, including Jack Eichel, who sent Finnish captain Aleksander Barkov flying into the U.S. bench. Brady Tkachuk, a powerhouse on the ice, delivered eight hits, including an unforgettable takedown of the towering 6-foot-6 Niko Mikkola. Matthew Tkachuk, never one to shy away from stirring things up, had some choice words for Patrik Laine before a faceoff, making it clear the Americans meant business.
The physicality and intensity weren't just about throwing big hits. The U.S. team played a fast, aggressive game, capitalizing on their strengths. "I mean, we kind of knew what to expect after watching [the Canada-Sweden] game—that it was going to be fast and physical," said defenseman Zach Werenski, who tallied three assists. "We have some guys on this team that can do that, right? You have the Tkachuks. We got [J.T.] Miller. We got a lot of big bodies. Eichel was throwing his body around tonight. I thought the pace was really good. I thought the physicality was good, and I thought we responded well to all of it."
While the scoreboard suggested a blowout, the first two periods were a tight battle, with both teams struggling to create quality chances. It wasn’t until late in the second period that Matt Boldy tipped in a textbook deflection of Minnesota Wild teammate Brock Faber’s shot, giving the U.S. a 2-1 lead and shifting the momentum.
Then came the third-period explosion. Just 15 seconds into the period, Matthew Tkachuk fired a long shot past Finnish goaltender Juuse Saros, setting the tone for what would be a rapid U.S. scoring spree. Moments later, Jake Guentzel capitalized on another shaky Saros moment, and before Finland could recover, Brady Tkachuk found the back of the net, making it three U.S. goals in less than three minutes.
"The start of the third, it was—I don't know how to say that, but we weren't ready for that," admitted Finland coach Antti Pennanen. The quick U.S. onslaught had the pro-Finland crowd, mostly Canadians rooting against their rivals, stunned into silence. Some had even booed the U.S. anthem before the game, but by the time Matthew Tkachuk buried another power-play goal with 8:47 left, all that could be heard was "U-S-A!" chants ringing through the Bell Centre.
Despite the lopsided score, Finland had brief moments of hope. Henri Jokiharju got his team on the board first, sneaking a shot past Connor Hellebuyck 7:31 into the game. But that was the only highlight for Finland, as Hellebuyck locked in and stopped the next 18 shots he faced, finishing with 20 saves. On the other end, Saros struggled, allowing six goals on 32 shots, making his starting spot for Finland’s next game uncertain.
"Of course, we need to think about that," Pennanen said when asked if Finland would swap goalies. "It was a tough day for Juuse. He was really good the first 40 minutes, but I think we need to analyze this game and make those decisions tomorrow or Saturday."
While Finland was left scrambling for answers, Team USA’s coach, Mike Sullivan, made midgame adjustments that further strengthened his team’s dominance. Midway through the second period, Sullivan shifted Brady Tkachuk to left wing alongside Eichel and Matthew Tkachuk, creating a powerhouse top line. He also moved Kyle Connor to play with Auston Matthews and Jack Hughes, while tweaking defensive pairings, placing Noah Hanifin with Adam Fox and Jaccob Slavin with Brock Faber. These adjustments paid immediate dividends as the U.S. took complete control of the game.
Eichel, one of the game’s standout performers, emphasized the importance of chemistry. "We've been together for four days," he said. "He's coached for quite a while. I think we're all trying to find chemistry and get comfortable with each other. That could mean some changes in lines and pairings and whatnot. I think everyone was prepared when their number was called and helped contribute to the win."
The victory puts Team USA at the top of the 4 Nations Face-Off standings after the first round of round-robin play. But the excitement doesn’t stop here. Up next is a high-stakes showdown against Canada, a game that has already been circled on the calendar.
"I think it's going to be the biggest game that I've ever played in my career," said Brady Tkachuk. "We've been talking about that game especially. Really excited to experience it."
With momentum on their side and their aggressive, high-energy game clicking at just the right time, Team USA is gearing up for what could be an electrifying clash with their longtime rivals. The Tkachuk brothers have already made a statement—now, they’re ready to take on Canada.
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