Charlie McAvoy, Team USA make 4 Nations debut, dominate Finland by 6-1 final
Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy took the ice for the first time in the 4 Nations Face-Off on Thursday night, as Team USA blew out Team Finland by a 6-1 final score.
McAvoy didn’t score a point in 19:45 of ice time for the Americans, but did register a shot on goal. His partner, the Blue Jackets’ Zach Werenski, finished with three assists. Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman didn’t play, as Connor Hellebuyck started and saved 20-of-21 Finland shots (.952).
The Tkachuk brothers, Matthew and Brady, were the true story of the game. Team USA adjusted its lines to put the brothers together, with the Golden Knights’ Jack Eichel at center, and they took over. Matthew Tkachuk finished with two goals and an assist, while Brady scored two goals of his own.
Minnesota Wild forward Matt Boldy, a native of Millis, Massachusetts, and Tampa Bay Lightning forward Jake Guentzel also scored for the U.S.
The modified point system in the 4 Nations Face-Off grants three points for a regulation win. So, after the first two games, Team USA is in first place with three points, followed by Canada, who got two points for an overtime win over Sweden, who have one point. Finland, of course, got zero points for the blowout loss.
Matt Dolloff is a writer and digital content producer for 98.5 The Sports Hub. Read all of his articles here.
