Mike Sullivan Gives Several Injury Updates For Team USA Ahead of Four Nations Final
The Four Nations Finale is finally upon us after nine thrilling games that have been incredible for international hockey, and the USA have some major injury updates that could seriously effect their chances in their highly anticipated rematch against Canada.
Through three games at the Four Nations Face Off, Team USA has a cumulative score of 10-4, dominating the competition en route to top spot, and now, they're set to face off against Canada to see who will be the first ever Four Nations champion.
Unfortunately, they've already had some bad news, with defenseman Charlie McAvoy potentially sidelined due to an upper-body injury, and it may be getting even worse.
According to Mike Sullivan, it's not just McAvoy dealing with nagging injuries, as both Auston Matthews and Brady Tkachuk are dealing with issues of their own ahead of the blockbuster finale on Thursday.
Sullivan noted that Matthews was 'nicked up or banged up' after three very physical games and an injury-riddled start to the 2024/25 NHL campaign, while stating that Tkachuk was held out for cautionary reasons, with the likelihood being that both are back on the ice for the finale against Canada.
On Monday, the US turned to Chris Kreider, Jake Sanderson and Jake Oettinger, but for the finale they'll look to bring back all of their top stars, with the team clearly showing the pride that will help their players play through any injury they need for their country.
Stay tuned for updates throughout the next few days leading up to the finale, but even if the United States miss Matthews, Tkachuk or McAvoy, confidence will be at an all-time high with this star studded group as they look to continue their dominance at the Four Nations.
![Feb 17, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Brandon Hagel (38) controls the puck during the third period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team Finland at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/529746.webp "Feb 17, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Brandon Hagel (38) controls the puck during the third period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team Finland at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images")
![Feb 12, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada defenseman Drew Doughty (89) looks on against Team Sweden in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/529645.webp "Feb 12, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada defenseman Drew Doughty (89) looks on against Team Sweden in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images")
![Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward brandon Hagel (38) plays the puck and Team United States defenseman Charlie McAvoy (25) defends in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/529619.webp "Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward brandon Hagel (38) plays the puck and Team United States defenseman Charlie McAvoy (25) defends in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images")
