4 Nations Face-Off: USA Stumbles Against Sweden & Loses Brady Tkachuk in Tough Battle!
Team USA experienced its first loss of the 4 Nations Face-Off on Monday evening, losing 2-1 to Sweden after taking an early lead—and losing a key forward in the process.
WHAT A BATTLE!
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) February 18, 2025
Sweden ends their tournament on a high, defeating the United States 2-1. 🇸🇪 pic.twitter.com/AF8wDaGUTr
Though Chris Kreider opened scoring only 35 seconds into the game, Sweden was quick in response with goals in the first period by Gustav Nyquist and Jesper Bratt. Goalie Samuel Ersson remained unbreachable for Sweden, earning the win through 32 saves.
The outcome did not affect the standing in the tournament, since a USA-Canada final had already been settled earlier in the day when Canada defeated Finland in overtime. But Team USA’s greater concern was when Brady Tkachuk hit the net hard. After returning for one shift briefly, he was ruled out of the rest of the game for “precautionary reasons.”
“It’s fun to watch for sure, even for me as a hockey fan.”@sportsnetkyle catches up with David Pastrnak at the Sweden vs. USA #4Nations game. 🏒 pic.twitter.com/DZhNL8qYNl
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 18, 2025
Injuries are becoming an increasing concern for Team USA. Matthew Tkachuk sat out due to a lower-body injury, Captain Auston Matthews was scratched late, and Charlie McAvoy was also out—later found to be hospitalized.
As the championship matchup against Canada approaches Thursday (8 p.m. ET, ESPN), the Americans expect some key returnees, but McAvoy has already been ruled out, the Boston Bruins said.
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