Rosner On Dobson The stage has been set for one of hockey’s greatest rivalries. After a 5-3 win against Finland at the 4 Nations tournament, Canada secured a spot alongside the United States in the championship game on Thursday. Canada started the game hot, scoring two goals in the opening five minutes: Finland made a strong push in the third period, but Canada was able to escape to cement a spot in the championship game. The United States clinched a spot in the championship game after winning their first two round robin games, first with a 6-1 victory over Finland on Feb. 13, followed by a 3-1 victory over Canada on Feb. 15. Brock Nelson, the New York Islanders' lone representative at the tournament, has played in each of the United States' two games thus far. The Warroad, Minnesota native has averaged 11:36 TOI per game with one shot, one hit, and a plus-minus rating of zero. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjEyOTA2NDAyODQ1MzA0NDQ4/usatsi_25430498-2.jpg] The United States has been led by Winnipeg Jets netminder Connor Hellebuyck, who conceded just two total goals over his two starts with a .957 SV%. Tampa Bay Lightning forward, Jake Guentzel, leads the team in goals (3) and is tied for the lead in points (4) with Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman, Zach Werenski. The United States still has one game left against Sweden, though the result of the tilt will not impact Thursday's matchup. The championship game will take place at TD Garden in Boston on Thursday, with puck drop set for 8:00. The game will be available to watch on ESPN and ESPN+. Nelson is expected to remain in the lineup on the United States' fourth line, where he has been this entire tournament.
