In arguably the biggest game in U.S. Hockey history, the Americans defeated Canada 3-1 to advance to the 4-Nations Championship game.
If you missed this game, that's too bad.
The lead-up to this game was intense, and fans in the USA and Canada couldn't wait to see the puck drop. And then it happened.
Right off of the opening puck drop, Matthew Tkachuk and Canada's Brandon Hagel decided they were going to start the game with a boxing match. Merely one second later, Brady Tkachuk and Sam Bennett would drop the gloves on the ensuing faceoff. Six seconds after that, J.T. Miller and Colton Parayko decided they were going to get busy. There were three fights in 9 seconds of action. The crowd inside the Bell Centre was going absolutely bonkers, and it was worth watching every second of it.
Play settled down after that and the guys settled into the game. The game was still very physical as both teams combined for 63 hits, but it was much calmer for two-plus periods.
Columbus defenseman Zach Werenski would get onto the score sheet when he was credited with an assist on Jake Guentzel's tying goal at 10:15 of the first period. He touched the puck and went to change as Jack Eichel and Jake Guentzel took off down the ice. He was still on the ice when the goal was scored, so he got an assist.
Werenski had 1 assist, 2 shots, 2 blocks, and played 13:47. He also played a whopping 1:57 on a lone USA power play. His playing time was limited in the third period. Most assume it was due to having a lead and needing to protect it with the other four defensemen who are more "defensive defensemen." Columbus fans weren't complaining at all, since Werenski led all Americans in time on ice on Thursday. Being given a nice little break is good for him.
Zach Werenski is now tied with Jake Guentzel with four points. Those four points also lead all players in the 4-Nations Tournament. His four assists are tops for all skaters in the tournament as well.
The Americans will now take on Sweden at 8 P.M. on Monday night. With the win against Canada, they will play in the Championship game next Thursday. The team they play will be determined on Monday as well. The winner of Canada vs. Finland will go on to play the United States in Boston, so we could get a re-match.
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