Eichel: USA-Canada final might be biggest game of my career
Jack Eichel has hoisted the Stanley Cup, but he believes Thursday's looming 4 Nations Face-Off final between his United States and Canada could personally be the matchup of the highest magnitude.
"This is huge, it's the biggest game I've played in quite some time, maybe ever," the American forward told reporters, including the Boston Globe's Conor Ryan, about the championship matchup following a meaningless loss to Sweden on Monday night.
"I'm really looking forward to it. I think everyone in the room's looking forward to it. It's what we wanted, right?"
The U.S. clinched a spot in the final with a 3-1 victory over Canada on Saturday. Canada earned its place in the decisive tilt with a 5-3 win over Finland on Monday.
Eichel is tied for second in the tournament with four points (all assists) in three games.
The Vegas Golden Knights center helped his NHL club win it all in 2022-23 with six goals and 20 assists over 22 playoff games.
He's on track to shatter his career-best regular-season point total of 82, which he set with the Buffalo Sabres in 2018-19. Eichel has 69 points, including 50 helpers, in 55 contests in 2024-25. He's on pace for 102 points in 81 games.
Team USA enters Thursday's 4 Nations final with numerous injury concerns. Brady Tkachuk exited Monday's game and didn't return, while his brother Matthew along with Auston Matthews and Charlie McAvoy all sat out due to various ailments.
The highly anticipated clash with Canada is scheduled for Thursday at 8 p.m. ET in Boston.