United States could have rematch with Canada in 4 Nations Face-Off final

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Jake Guentzel of the U.S., left, celebrates his empty net goal against Canada during Saturday’s 4 Nations Face-Off game. Graham Hughes / The Canadian Press via AP

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By STEPHEN WHYNO

the associated press

MONTREAL — U.S. players knew they could clinch a spot in the final of the 4 Nations Face-Off by beating Canada in regulation on Saturday night.

“And we did just that,” defenseman Zach Werenski said.

No matter what happens in their game tonight against Sweden in Boston, the Americans will play on home ice Thursday night in the championship of the NHL-run international tournament. The only question now is whether Canada will join them in a rivalry rematch of one of the best games in recent hockey history or if Sweden or Finland will crash the party.

Canada can get in by beating Finland in regulation today. After losing a game in a tournament with the world’s best players for the first time in 15 years, the pressure is on.

“This is our Game 7,” coach Jon Cooper said after his team lost 3-1 to the U.S. on Saturday night. “The result is unfortunate, but I don’t think anybody can leave the building and say that that team didn’t stick up for each other or care for each other and play with a passion. And when you do have that, the ceiling is limitless what the team can do. And so in that regard, I’m extremely proud of the guys. Now it’s on us here to tweak some things and find a way to beat Finland.”

After beating Sweden in overtime on Mikael Granlund’s goal, the Finns can also book their spot in the final by defeating Canada in regulation.

“Huge game for us, of course,” coach Antti Pennanen said. “These games are so high-level games. ... Lots of good players on the ice and well-coached teams, so it’s going to be a huge battle for us and I’m excited.”

Canada and Finland are in the driver’s seat, but Sweden still has a path to the final if the matinee at TD Garden, home of the Bruins, goes to OT. That, plus beating the U.S. in regulation, would set up a rematch between the Americans and Swedes for the 4 Nations title.

“It’s what it is at this point,” Sweden defenseman Mattias Ekholm told reporters in Boston on Sunday. “We went to OT with both games, and it’s one goal either way and unfortunately we ended up on the wrong side in both of them. Here we sit, now we’re obviously going to have to rely on the other game, but the morale is high.”

The U.S. has been by far the most impressive team in the tournament, routing Finland 6-1 thanks to a three goals-in-three minutes scoring spree and defeating Canada in a back-and-forth, physical game.