The 4 Nations Face-Off begins Wednesday, with the final taking place in Boston on Feb. 20. Matthew Tkachuk, Brady Tkachuk, Brock Faber and Jack Eichel [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjEyODIxOTQ3NjgyMTM3NjA5/usatsi_25413098_168400847_lowres.jpg] Matthew Tkachuk, Brady Tkachuk, Brock Faber and Jack Eichel MONTREAL - A few shifts into their time together on the same line, the Tkachuk brothers realized they were both in front of the net, whacking away at the puck. They had to laugh at the scene, but it's not going to be very funny for opponents if Matthew and Brady continue to play like they did against Finland for the rest of the 4 Nations. Team USA ran away with the victory in their opener, dousing Finland 6-1. And while things were close after two periods, the Americans broke it open in the third. Midway through the game, Team USA's lines were changed and the Tkachuk brothers were united on a trio with center Jack Eichel. By the end of the night, both Tkachuks had two goals, and Matthew had three points. "The two of them obviously work really hard and make a lot of plays," Eichel said. "They're great on the wall and they get to the net. Great hands - Brady's goal on the backhand, that was a great finish by him, and we got a couple big goals from Matthew. They're pretty easy to play with." The compliments went both ways, too. As effective as the Tkachuks are, they're both wingers who needed someone in the middle to facilitate their chaotic brand of excellence. Eichel was that guy. "He's a perfect center for guys like Brady and I," Matthew said. "His speed, his two-way responsibilities, obviously his offense and his shot and finding ice. It's good for us to have him because he carries the puck a lot, so it simplifies our game. 'Eichs' led the way for us tonight." With just enough of an age difference, the Tkachuks haven't had a chance to play with each other at top levels. The 4 Nations made that dream a reality for the rambunctious pair. "I was really looking forward to this tournament," Brady said. "After a couple of days, this has been the best experience of my hockey life. I can't begin to explain the excitement and joy of getting to play with him." While Matthew has already won a Stanley Cup with Florida and played in a previous final with the Panthers, Brady is still looking for his first NHL post-season berth in Ottawa. It could happen this season, but in the meantime, he's used his observer status during his brother's runs to take notes. "We've always joked that I lead the league in most playoff games watched without playing," Brady said. "Throughout those runs I watched his preparation and focus. Even here, it's an opportunity to see these guys who have won Cups and played those big games and their professionalism." But don't take this for a strictly little-brother scenario; Brady was just as important to Team USA's opening victory, leading the game with eight hits, on top of his offense. "He was a beast," Matthew said. "It was eight hits but it felt like 28 hits. He made his presence known from the start. That's the way we play and one of the reasons we're on this team." And now Canada looms on Saturday. A game that was always hotly anticipated is nearly here. The Americans and Finns didn't play at the whip-saw pace of Canada-Sweden, but the Canadians also didn't have to deal with the combination of skill and physicality that Team USA brings to the table. It goes without saying that Saturday night is going to be loud in Montreal. "It's going to be the biggest game I've played in my career," Brady said. "I'm really looking forward to that. There's a big build-up: U.S. versus Canada is bigger than just the guys on the ice, it's so many people past, present and future down the road. We've been talking about that game especially. The excitement's going to be at an all-time high." Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjEyMDk0MTI4NDI5NzM3OTYw/googlenews.png] Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here [http://eepurl.com/i7OC4I]. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or by visiting our forum [https://thehockeynews.rtb.io/THNHOME/posts].
