The pre-game shocker occurred when Carolina Hurricanes' forward Seth Jarvis and Dallas Stars' defenseman Thomas Harley were scratched off Team Canada's lineup.
The move surprised many, especially Jarvis, considering how well that player had been playing throughout the tournament. Even the Carolina Hurricanes voiced their outrage on social media, critiquing Team Canada's move.
Canada has booked its ticket to the final of the 4 Nations Face-Off, where it will battle its old bitter enemy, the USA, in what is poised to be a closely contested showdown, despite not having had Jarvis in their lineup today.
Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon were quick to make their contribution count, finding the cage within 46 seconds of each other early in the first period to give Canada the early advantage.
Goalie Jordan Binnington held his ground, making 23 saves to maintain the advantage. McDavid and Sidney Crosby each had one assist, each collecting two points on the night.
Blue liner Cale Makar rejoined Team Canada after sitting out the team's previous contest due to illness, providing much-needed reinforcements on Team Canada's defense.
For Team Finland, Mikael Granlund scored two goals, and Esa Lindell had one.
Netminder Kevin Lankinen had no success on 13 shots, allowing four goals through, before relief through the means of Juuse Saros came, shutting out 14 of Team Canada's final shots on him.
All that is waiting is to watch what is poised to be a great final showdown of the 4 Nations tournament, pitting Team Canada versus its bitter enemy, Team USA, in what will make up the battle of bragging rights on the global stage, no less.
POLL | ||
FÉVRIER 17 | 228 ANSWERS Carolina Hurricanes Call Out Team Canada's Controversial Roster Decision Do you agree with the Carolina Hurricanes post? | ||
Yes | 78 | 34.2 % |
No | 150 | 65.8 % |
LIST OF POLLS |
G | A | PTS | ||
Matthew Boldy | 2 | - | 2 | |
Zach Bogosian | - | 2 | 2 | |
Ryan Hartman | 1 | - | 1 | |
Steven Lorentz | 1 | - | 1 | |
Auston Matthews | 1 | - | 1 | |
Valeri Nichushkin | 1 | - | 1 | |
Liam Ohgren | 1 | - | 1 | |
Simon Benoit | - | 1 | 1 | |
Frederick Gaudreau | - | 1 | 1 | |
Vinnie Hinostroza | - | 1 | 1 | |
Nathan MacKinnon | - | 1 | 1 | |
Cale Makar | - | 1 | 1 | |
Mitch Marner | - | 1 | 1 | |
Gustav Nyquist | - | 1 | 1 | |
John Tavares | - | 1 | 1 | |
Matthew Beniers | - | - | - | |
Mackenzie Blackwood | - | - | - | |
Justin Brazeau | - | - | - | |
Andre Burakovsky | - | - | - | |
Brandon Carlo | - | - | - | |
Complete stats |
STANDINGS 2024-2025 | ||||||
TOP 10 | GP | W | L | OL | PTS | |
Capitals | 68 | 45 | 15 | 8 | 98 | |
Jets | 69 | 47 | 18 | 4 | 98 | |
Stars | 67 | 43 | 21 | 3 | 89 | |
Hurricanes | 67 | 41 | 22 | 4 | 86 | |
Golden Knights | 67 | 39 | 20 | 8 | 86 | |
Maple Leafs | 68 | 41 | 24 | 3 | 85 | |
Panthers | 68 | 41 | 24 | 3 | 85 | |
Avalanche | 69 | 41 | 25 | 3 | 85 | |
Oilers | 68 | 40 | 24 | 4 | 84 | |
Lightning | 67 | 39 | 23 | 5 | 83 | |
Conference | Cumulative |