Chris Kreider could get chance to play vs. Canada…
BOSTON — Chris Kreider has by no means been one to suppose or discuss in hypotheticals.
Not even having one of the most important circuses of cameras and reporters huddled round his podium Tuesday, after he scored a purpose in his 4 Nations Face-Off debut in Team USA’s loss to Sweden on Monday evening, could get the longest-tenured Ranger to expose what probably enjoying within the championship recreation in opposition to Canada would imply to him.
“Like you said, I don’t like to talk in hypotheticals,” he quipped. “Focus on today and get after it tomorrow.”
Head coach Mike Sullivan had some critically high reward for Kreider after his efficiency.
In addition to scoring a purpose a mere 35 seconds into the sport, the 33-year-old skated on the best wing of Team USA’s high line with Jack Eichel and Brady Tkachuk earlier than the Senators captain received damage.
He additionally slotted onto the highest power-play unit.
Sullivan had lauded Kreider for his versatility earlier than the event started, however the Penguins head coach appeared impressed by what he noticed from the veteran.
“He can really skate,” the veteran coach mentioned. “His north-south speed is a challenge for any opponent. Obviously, I’m pretty familiar with his game, being the same division and playing against him all the time. I thought he played really well.”
Asked if Kreider’s recreation was well-suited to the type of play Team USA expects to play within the closing, Sullivan gave a resounding yes.
Chris Kreider (middle) celebrates with teammates after scoring a purpose in Team USA’s 2-1 loss to Sweden on Feb. 17, 2025. AP
He credited Kreider’s energy, whereas additionally stating he expects one other bodily bout with the Canadians.
Kreider could probably go in for Brock Nelson, who has collected zero factors in skating on the fourth line, or perhaps Kyle Connor, who registered the bottom ice time of any American who didn’t undergo an harm within the recreation in opposition to Sweden.
“For me, it’s one day at a time,” Kreider mentioned when requested if there have been discussions with Sullivan about enjoying the ultimate. “Take the rest day and be ready to go for practice tomorrow.”
Chris Kreider is checked by Jonas Brodin during Team USA’s loss to Sweden. Getty Images
After serving as a healthy scratch within the first two video games, the Massachusetts native was excited to get the chance to swimsuit up for the lads’s national staff and play in entrance of his hometown crowd in Boston.
He mentioned he had some household in attendance, as nicely.
“Kreids did a great job,” Nelson mentioned. “Started straight away, driving to the web, received rewarded with a massive purpose. He’s been a great participant for a long time. Obviously, you consider him, you speak about his pace and what he brings and how he can sort of back guys off offensively, which confirmed on his purpose.
“Another power play guy that can kind of slide in and be a difference-maker down low in front of the net. I thought he brought a lot of that and was a big part of it.”
No one is aware of if there shall be as many fireworks as there have been to begin the primary USA-Canada recreation, however the consensus from most gamers on every staff is that that is thought of the largest recreation of their lives.
“I was thinking to myself laying in bed the night before the [first] game, ‘If this is going to be like an all-star type of thing, then I’m going to be so out of place because I’m putting my head through a wall tomorrow,’ ” Canada ahead Brandon Hagel mentioned. “That was my mentality.”
The Canadians have assured there are no group chats, just like the one Americans Matthew and Brady Tkachuk and J.T. Miller began forward of the three fights that broke out within the primary 9 seconds of Saturday’s contest.
“I did it for the flag, not the cameras,” mentioned Hagel, who dropped the gloves with Matthew Tkachuk off the opening faceoff.
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