Connor McDavid and Sam Reinhart, who faced each other in the Stanley Cup final last year, now team up to lead Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off. The tournament features top NHL players competing for international glory and marks their return to high-level competition after missing the last two Olympics.
Connor McDavid, who watched Sam Reinhart score the Cup-clinching goal for Florida against his Edmonton Oilers last June, is eager to put aside any personal disappointment for the sake of Canada 's success at the 4 Nations Face-Off . McDavid and Reinhart , along with Toronto Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner, form Canada 's top line for this tournament.
Reinhart, who played alongside McDavid at the under-18 championships in 2013, expressed excitement about the opportunity to help McDavid, considered the best player in the world, and utilize his incredible speed. The tournament marks the return of NHL players to high-level international competition after missing the last two Olympics. The United States and Finland, who face off on Thursday, are also participating in the round-robin format, culminating in a final in Boston. Both teams are savoring the chance to compete with the best hockey players in the world. Jack Hughes, center for the U.S. team, said the experience is refreshing, while Brady Tkachuk, another American forward, emphasized the strong friendships forged during their shared time in the U.S. National Team Development Program. Similarly, Erik Karlsson of Sweden acknowledged the occasional awkwardness of facing past playoff opponents but highlighted the overall positive atmosphere within the team, emphasizing their focus on representing Sweden. Finnish center Sebastian Aho, who lost to teammate Aleksander Barkov's Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference final, underscored the natural progression of moving past rivalry after a competitive series. The tournament also features notable absences. Russia, a powerhouse in international hockey, is excluded due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Canadian captain Sidney Crosby expressed understanding for Russia's situation, acknowledging their passion for international competition. The International Ice Hockey Federation has imposed a ban on Russia until at least the 2025-26 calendar year. Canadian forward Nathan MacKinnon, the reigning Hart Trophy winner, dismissed any doubts about players' commitment, comparing the tournament's significance to the Olympics or the World Cup. American forward J.T. Miller, who will face off against former Vancouver Canucks teammate Elias Pettersson of Sweden next week, downplayed the anticipated attention surrounding their matchup, treating it as just another game. Miller's recent trade to the New York Rangers followed a reported rift with Pettersson, but he insists on maintaining a professional approach. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 11, 2025
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