The United States face-off team is battered and bruised ahead of Thursday’s rematch against Canada. Brady Tkachuk, Matthew Tkachuk, Auston Matthews, and Charlie McAvoy are all banged up, and their absence was felt in Monday’s 2-1 loss to Sweden.
Brady Tkachuk scored two goals but hurt his leg after a collision with the goal post during the first period. He spent seven minutes in the dressing room before returning for only one shift. Coach Mike Sullivan said the decision to hold out Tkachuk was precautionary and that he doesn’t expect him to miss Thursday’s title clash.
Matthew Tkachuk, Matthew’s brother, also played a crucial role but left the game early with a lower-body injury sustained in a previous game. The team struggled to find scoring chances without their top players, ultimately losing 1-0 to Sam Ersson.
The good news is that the US will have two days to rest some of these banged-up bodies before Thursday’s rematch. Sullivan anticipates getting some players back but warns that contingency plans may be needed if an emergency addition is required.
In related news, Auston Matthews and Charlie McAvoy are expected to make a return after missing Monday’s game with upper-body injuries. The US will also look to Jake Kreider, who scored his first goal of the tournament in just 35 seconds into his debut, to bring some much-needed physicality against Canada.
The US will need to overcome its injured squad to have any chance of taking down their rivals from the North on Thursday.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6143144/2025/02/18/usa-injuries-tkachuk-matthews-mcavoy-canada