Brady Tkachuk scored for Team USA in the third period against Finland and celebrated with teammates Matthew Tkachuk and Brock Faber during the 4 Nations Face-Off in Montreal on Thursday, February 13, 2025. (Photo: Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)
The Tkachuk brothers put on a powerful display as Team USA dominated Finland 6-1 in the opening game of the 4 Nations Face-Off. Brady and Matthew Tkachuk each scored twice, showing their signature aggressive play and skill, giving the Americans a strong start in the tournament.
From the beginning, the brothers set the tone with physicality and precision. Matthew Tkachuk, a Stanley Cup champion, emphasized playing to their strengths. “That’s our style, and that’s why we’re here,” he said after contributing three points.
The game quickly turned into a battle of strength, with players from both teams delivering big hits. Jack Eichel sent Finland’s captain Aleksander Barkov crashing into the U.S. bench. Brady Tkachuk knocked down Finland’s towering 6-foot-6 defenceman Niko Mikkola, while Matthew exchanged words with Patrik Laine before a faceoff.
Their relentless pressure paid off. Defenseman Zach Werenski, who had three assists, praised the team’s intensity. “We knew it would be a fast, physical game. We have guys built for this—Eichel, the Tkachuks, J.T. Miller. Everyone stepped up,” he said.
Despite the final score, the game was tight for the first two periods. The U.S. struggled to find scoring opportunities, and Finland’s goalie Juuse Saros kept them at bay. But Matt Boldy changed the game late in the second period, deflecting a shot from Brock Faber to give the U.S. a 2-1 lead.
Then came the third-period onslaught. Just 15 seconds into the period, Matthew Tkachuk sent a long-range shot past Saros, opening the floodgates. Jake Guentzel capitalized on another shaky moment from Saros, followed by Brady Tkachuk striking again—three goals in under three minutes.
Finland’s coach Antti Pennanen admitted his team was caught off guard. “We weren’t ready for that,” he said, hinting that a goalie change might be necessary for their next game.
The pro-Finland crowd, packed with Canadian fans eager to root against the U.S., went silent. They had earlier booed the American national anthem and Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews. But by the third period, “U-S-A! U-S-A!” chants echoed in Bell Centre.
Finland’s only highlight came early when Henri Jokiharju fired past U.S. goalie Connor Hellebuyck to take a 1-0 lead. Hellebuyck shut them down after that, making 20 saves. Saros, on the other hand, struggled, allowing six goals on 32 shots.
With the win, Team USA leads the tournament standings. Coach Mike Sullivan made midgame changes that worked, moving Brady Tkachuk to Eichel’s line and shuffling defense pairings.
The focus now shifts to the highly anticipated showdown against Canada on Saturday. Brady Tkachuk called it the biggest game of his career. “We’ve been talking about it for a long time. I can’t wait,” he said.
