In a surprising turn at the 4 Nations Face-Off, Sweden handed the United States its first loss of the tournament with a 2-1 victory at Boston’s TD Garden. Despite the defeat, Team USA had already secured a spot in the championship game against Canada.
The match began with promise for the U.S. as Chris Kreider scored just 35 seconds into his debut shift, giving Team USA an early lead. However, Sweden responded with goals from Gustav Nyquist and Jesper Bratt, overturning the advantage and securing the win. Swedish goaltender Samuel Ersson was instrumental, making 32 saves to preserve the victory.
Team USA faced significant challenges due to a depleted lineup. Key players, including defenseman Charlie McAvoy, forward Matthew Tkachuk, and captain Auston Matthews, were sidelined due to injuries and illnesses. The situation worsened when Brady Tkachuk suffered an apparent injury after colliding with Swedish goaltender Samuel Ersson in the first period. Tkachuk briefly returned but ultimately exited the game and did not return.
Despite the loss, Team USA remains focused on the upcoming championship game against Canada. Coach Mike Sullivan expressed hope for the recovery of injured players and acknowledged the impact of the flu affecting the team. Contingency plans include contacting reserve players to ensure a competitive lineup for the final.
The championship game is scheduled for Thursday, February 20, at 8:00 p.m. ET at TD Garden, promising an intense showdown between the North American rivals.
