The 4 Nations Face-off is upon us. Here's everything Pittsburgh Penguins fans need to know about the tournament.
There will be no NHL hockey for the next two weeks as players travel to Montreal, QC, and Boston, MA, to participate in the first-ever 4 Nations Face-off featuring Canada, Sweden, Finland, and the United States.
What is the 4 Nations Face-off schedule?
Bell Centre - Montreal, QC
TD Garden - Boston, MA
Where Can Fans Watch the Games?
American hockey fans can catch 4 Nations Face-off games on MAX, truTV, TNT, ESPN+, ESPN, and ABC. Meanwhile, Canadian fans will find the action on Sportsnet (SN), Sportsnet+ (SN+), and TVAS.
Which Penguins Players Were Selected to the Tournament?
Sidney Crosby (Canada) - Crosby was selected to Team Canada and named their captain, an honor he's held before at the 2016 World Cup, 2015 World Championships, and 2014 Winter Olympics.
Sep 29, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Team Canada center Sidney Crosby (87) holds up the World Cup of Hockey championship trophy after defeating Team Europe 2-1 in game two of the World Cup of Hockey final at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Bennett/Pool Photo via Imagn ImagesThe Penguins captain has 17 goals and 58 points in 55 games to lead his team in scoring. This season, the future Hall of Famer and Triple Gold Club member tallied his 600th goal and 1,600th point.
Erik Karlsson (Sweden) - Karlsson last played for Sweden at the 2024 World Championships, winning a bronze medal while serving as the team's captain. Before that, he skated at the 2016 World Cup. In his second full season with the Penguins, he's scored six goals and 38 points in 57 games.
Rickard Rakell (Sweden) - Rakell hasn't represented his home country since the 2021 World Championships, scoring just two points in seven games. However, he did win a gold medal at the event in 2018.
Rakell wasn't initially selected for the 4 Nations Face-off, but he went on a tear to become the first player named to replace William Karlsson. As the Penguins' leading goal scorer with 25, he's behind only Crosby with 48 points.
Which Penguins Staff Members Were Selected for the Tournament?
Several members of the Penguins organization, including a couple in prominent roles, will attend the 4 Nations Face-off.
- GM Kyle Dubas (Canada) Director of Player Personnel
- HC Mike Sullivan (United States) Head Coach
- AHC David Quinn (United States) Assistant Head Coach
- VC Madison Nikkel (United States) Video Coach
Which Former Penguins Players Were Selected to the Tournament?
Three former Penguins skaters are playing in the tournament, barring any last-minute injuries or roster adjustments. Here's a breakdown.
Mikael Granlund (Finland) - Granlund was recently in the news as he was traded from San Jose to Dallas days before the 4 Nations Face-off break. He previously played 21 games with the Penguins in 2022-23 before departing as part of the Karlsson trade in August 2023. In 56 games this season, Granlund has 15 goals and 49 points.
Olli Määttä (Finland) - Initially drafted by the Penguins, Määttä won two Stanley Cups with the club before moving on to several different franchises. This year, he's split time between Detroit and Utah, with two goals and 12 points in 53 games.
Jake Guentzel (United States) - Guentzel was one of the last pure goal scorers the Penguins had, leaving in a March 2024 trade to Carolina. Although his stay there lasted only a few months, the 30-year-old inked a massive contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning in the offseason. Guentzel already has 27 goals and 54 points in 54 games this year, reuniting with his former coach Sullivan at the 4 Nations Face-off.
Who are you rooting for at the 4 Nations Face-off? Let us know in the comments section.
