Bad News for Team USA and the Tkachuk Brothers Ahead of the Third Period

Bad news hit Team USA and Matthew Tkachuk at the Four Nations Faceoff championship tonight in Boston.

As the second period came to a close, it was noticed that Matthew Tkachuk had not gotten a shift in several minutes.

It has now been confirmed by Elliotte Friedman that Tkachuk was not 100% healthy headed into the game, and it is entirely possible that he will not return.

This comes after his brother Brady was pulled out of Team USA's game on Saturday after only 1:55 of ice time.

We will see if Matthew Tkachuk is able to return; with the tournament in the balance, he could be a difference maker.

Fans have been quick to voice their displeasure about the decision for Matthew Tkachuk to play, as the United States could have added another talented forward like Kyle Connor to the lineup instead.

If the United States loses to Team Canada, it is entirely possible that the former Calgary Flames forward will face even more hostility from his former home country.

UPDATE

While Matthew Tkachuk is on the bench, insider Bob Pompeani believes he will not be skating in the third period.

Elliotte Friedman has added light to the situation, showing that he is stretching on the bench; a return may not be impossible.

While it is a classy move to cheer on his team, one can only imagine what could have been had Kyle Connor been on the ice in his place.

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