Winnipeg Jets forward Kyle Connor will be moved to Team USA's fourth line against Team Canada.
Winnipeg Jets forward Kyle Connor will be moved to Team USA's fourth line against Team Canada.
Connor began the 4 Nations Face-Off opener against Finland, playing on USA's first line next to Vegas Golden Knights centre Jack Eichel and Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk. Midway through the game, Pittsburgh Penguins and Team USA HC Mike Sullivan elected to switch his lines, swapping Connor with Ottawa Senators forward Brady Tkachuk.
The move proved to pay off, as Connor picked up an assist on Minnesota Wild's Matt Boldy's goal, and the newly formed top line helped separate themselves from the Finn's, scoring twice at even strength.
The line mix-up today will see Connor joining New York Islanders' Brock Nelson and New York Rangers' Vincent Trocheck. Despite moving to the fourth line, Connor will remain on the Americans' second power play unit.
If the Americans defeat the Canadians, they'll all but confirm their spot in the final. Connor Hellebuyck will once again play a major role in the success of the American squad. If he can shut the door on the Canadian's forwards, the Americans can prevail.
Stopping the Canadians will be no small feat. Icing Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, Connor McDavid, Mitch Marner, and Cale Makar gives the Canadians one of the best offensive groups of all time. Josh Morrissey will also play a larger role after Shea Theodore was ruled out of the tournament with a wrist injury.
One of the most highly anticipated games in quite some time is filled with talent and will feature multiple Winnipeg Jets.
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