USA's emotional win over Canada hammered the point that the 4 Nations Face-Off Was No All-Star Game.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews and USA will take on Sweden in the final preliminary game as the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament shifts to Boston≥ 

The United States entered action on Monday with their spot in Thursday's final game secured after defeating Canada 3-1 in an emotionally charged game on Saturday.

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Before the game, Matthews spoke to the media following USA's morning skate and discussed the team's approach to the game, how much he's learned by playing with different players and how the players have proven that the four-team showcase on display is legitimate and not just another NHL All-Star Game.

Q: Were the chemistry expectations of this tournament what you expected from that perspective?

"I mean, that part's definitely a big part for sure. I mean, just spending time with guys that maybe you've played with before in the past and getting to know new guys and just becoming a team. So it's a lot of fun. We've been having a blast so far lately, and I'm excited to just keep this thing going."

Q: Is there a feeling you've become a team, or is that still a process that obviously you're engaged in?

"I think that's an ever-going process, but I like the camaraderie that we build in our time. I mean, throughout the practice days, there early on in Montreal, obviously two games, an emotional game the other night. I think those are the kinds of moments and situations that really kind of build that stuff and that team bond together, so it's been good."

Q: You're on this team, it says a lot about who you are and where you see it and where. But when you're in this best-on-best, do you think it can make you an even better player?

"I think so, yeah. I mean, I think you learn a lot, too, just being around other great players, great people. I think there's a lot that you can take away other than just the opportunity to represent your country, which is huge, and play in this kind of format in this kind of tournament, but definitely a lot that you can learn.

Q: You go back a long way with Charlie McAvoy. What did you think of him in that game the other night, and also just the way he's evolved over the last 10 years since you first played with him?

"He's such a big factor for us there on the back end, just the way he plays, his physicality and everything. I thought the other night he was great for us. I mean, he made a big impact physically, and a guy that when he's out there, you have to be aware of when you're going up against him. So, you know, one of my close friends, though, from the national program, so it's been a lot of fun playing with him again."

Q: With your spot in the final already secured, how do you guard against the letdown tonight against the Swedes?

"I think obviously the other night it was a big emotional game. It's, you know, for us it's resetting, making sure that, you know, we're in the right mindset tonight against a good team. We're going to be desperate, and we know that we need to be ready.

Q: How much extra attention do you think is on this tournament now, given the way you had scored the win?

"I think there was from the get-go, I thought that first game kind of put everybody maybe on notice that this wasn't just like a walk-in-the-park tournament, that this was something that the players have wanted and are taking very seriously. So, yeah, I mean, you see the level of play that's been happening in all the games. I mean, it's been high intensity, high level, physical. I mean, it's been playoff-like."

Q: Do you feel there's still potential for you guys offensively and you've kind of not hit your stride yet in terms of scoring?

"I think, you know, the other night, you're playing a good team. There's going to be times where you've got to defend, but, you know, the opportunities have been there. I think just bearing down, seeing one go in and, you know, continue to ride that wave. But, I mean, we've got so many talented players on this team, you know, throughout our lineup. I feel pretty confident that we can find scoring throughout everybody, pretty much."

Q: How do you kind of address that, given the weight that you usually have with Toronto and here as a captain on this team? Do you defer to others, or do you feel the same weight you normally feel with the Leafs?

I mean, I'm not sure it's necessarily a weight. Like, I want to go out there and I want to produce. But at the same time, you know, I'm going to play my game. I'm going to be good on both sides of the puck and play 200 feet of the ice and, you know, try to obviously produce as much offensively, create chances, and be responsible on both ends. So, you know, necessarily when the puck's not going in, it doesn't really change much. I'm not going to cheat the game. I'm going to continue to play that solid game and, you know, the opportunities are there to try to make it on them.

Q: If Matthew (Tkachuk) can't be in your lineup tonight, what does that mean? What kind of loss is he on the bench?

"He's obviously a big part of this team. Just the way he plays, his leadership, everything that he brings to the table. So, you know, unfortunately, we've got a lot of guys that, you know, can fill in those spots, can fill up, have a bigger impact, bigger role. And it's up to us to obviously fill that void. So he'll be a big loss tonight, but obviously he's a guy that, you know, is very vocal in the room and stuff like that."

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