Tkachuk brothers lead USA to dominant win over Finland
Matthew and Brady Tkachuk scored two goals apiece Thursday to lead the United States to an overpowering 6-1 victory over Finland at the 4 Nations Face-Off.
Matthew also registered an assist, eight shots, and two hits to earn first star honors in Montreal. Brady had five shots and eight hits as the pair made an enormous impact on the game once united on a line with Jack Eichel during the second period.
"First thought was my parents, my sister, and all of our family: how happy they must be and how excited they must be," Brady Tkachuk told ESPN in a postgame interview about being moved to a line with his brother. "I was like, 'alright, if we're getting here then we have to play good and stick together.' It was a lot of fun. Honestly, it's a dream come true that really hasn't hit me yet."
U.S. head coach Mike Sullivan said after the standout performance that Brady embodies what the club is looking for at the tournament.
"We talk about American attitude, that swagger, he might personify that," Sullivan said, according to Sportsnet's Eric Engels.
U.S. defenseman Zach Werenski also sang praises about having the brothers on his side for a change.
"It's annoying to face one of them in the NHL at once," he said, per TSN's Chris Johnston. "I can't imagine both of them."
Matt Boldy and Jake Guentzel also found the net for USA, which sits atop the early round robin standings with three points for its regulation win. Canada earned two points for its overtime victory over Sweden on Wednesday, while Tre Kronor banked one point.
Finland opened the scoring in the first period on a goal from Henri Jokiharju to put a brief scare into the heavily favored Americans, but Brady Tkachuk equalized less than three minutes later.
The Americans took over with three goals in the opening three minutes of the third period. The victory snapped a five-game losing streak for the Stars and Stripes at best-on-best events dating back to the 2014 Olympics in Sochi.
The United States returns to action Saturday night with a highly anticipated clash with Canada. Finland takes on Sweden in a matinee the same day.
"I think I've thought about this game for nine years. We'll be ready for it," Matthew Tkachuk said, per Sportsnet.