Penguins Players Predict 4 Nations Face-off Results

The Pittsburgh Penguins players have spoken.

Thursday's 4 Nations Face-off championship game between Team USA and Team Canada is drawing in viewership from all around the world, but that also includes the teammates of those participating in the tournament.

And, yes, there may be some bias based on home country.

Penguins players - Canadian, American, Finnish, or otherwise - gave their predictions about the final score, who will take the 4 Nations crown, and even what their captain - Sidney Crosby - might cook up for Team Canada:

Star Russian forward Evgeni Malkin had a hard time choosing between his coach and one of his closest friends in Crosby. He mulled over Crosby's stellar performance at the tournament so far - which consists of a goal and five points in a tie for the lead in points - as well as Sullivan's success with Team USA and his care for the players.

“He deserves everything,” Malkin said. “He's won two Cups. Maybe win tomorrow and represent his country. Good luck to him, for sure. ... America is a great team, too. This is probably the best teams right now. Good luck to both tomorrow.

“But I think Canada wins tomorrow, I think is my choice."

A former Penguins player and legend - Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury - also gave his thoughts on who might win Thursday's game:

Canada takes on Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-off championship game Thursday at 8:00 p.m. The game can be viewed on ESPN and Sportsnet in the U.S. and Canada, respectively.

The first matchup between the two teams in round-robin play on Saturday - which ended in a 3-1 victory for Team USA - generated 4.4 million views in the U.S. alone and 10.1 million in North America overall. 

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