MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. -- There wasn't enough time -- yet -- for Jordan Kyrou and whatever other Canadians are to get involved in chirping or placing friendly wagers with St. Louis Blues Americans on the big one that will take place on Thursday in Boston.
But when the Blues returned to practice on Tuesday following nine days off for the 4 Nations Face-Off that will culminate with the title game between the United States and Canada at 7 p.m. (CT), there's certainly been plenty of barbs traded now that the team has been back for a couple days.
"People all over talking about it," Blues captain and Saskatchewan native Brayden Schenn said. "Obviously the fights (at the start of last Saturday's 3-1 USA win over Canada, including one by Blues defenseman Colton Parayko) add attention to it. ... People are becoming fans of it. Canada-U.S., I'm sure that's what everyone kind of wanted there for the final match. It's going to be a good one on Thursday night.
"It's the best players in the world going at it. It's good to see."
The Blues' vested interest in the game is goalie Jordan Binnington of Richmond Hills, Ontario and defenseman Colton Parayko of St. Albert, Alberta each representing Canada. As are general manager Doug Armstrong as part of the management team and goalie coach Dave Alexander and video coach Elliott Mondou also part of Team Canada.
As for players, aside from Binnington and Parayko, the Blues have 10 more Canadians (Dylan Holloway, Mathieu Joseph, Kyrou, Schenn, Robert Thomas, Zack Bolduc, Jake Neighbours, Cam Fowler, Tyler Tucker and Joel Hofer). Representing the United States are Justin Faulk, Nick Leddy and Ryan Suter.
Oh, and let's not forget coach Jim Montgomery, who hails from Montreal.
"I pick with people," Montgomery said of his selection for a winner. "I've got five people that I work with that are there. It's an easy one.
"It's going to be great, and I think the game (last) Saturday night set it up. It’s great to see the sport at 4.4 million viewers on ESPN. I’m sure Canada had 30 million. But it’s great because I’ll bet it’s going to be at least six million. With the start they had to Saturday night, everyone can’t wait for puck drop on Thursday night."
If last Saturday's game was any indication, Thursday's winner-take-all tilt should be tension cutting, using a knife to do the cutting.
"I think it’s been awesome.," Kyrou said . "Anytime you can watch best-on-best, it’s really competitive. It’s high end, it’s fast-paced. It’s been fun to watch and I’m excited to watch the game on Thursday."