USA’s Brady Tkachuk participates in morning skate; everyone is available vs. Canada

Despite all of the concerns for the health and wellness of the United States roster over the past few days, it appears that everyone is able to play for Thursday’s championship showdown against Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off.

According to United States head coach Mike Sullivan, every player on the American roster is healthy and available for Thursday’s game, with the exception of Charlie McAvoy, who sustained a shoulder injury in the tournament, and then also developed an infection after reported mismanagement from USA’s medical staff, something that didn’t please the Boston Bruins.

That availability includes Auston Matthews and Matthew and Brady Tkachuk, who’s statuses were a bit more up in the air after the former two players missed Monday’s 2-1 loss to Sweden, and the latter sustained an injury during the game. There was also an illness spreading throughout the United States team that left a few players under the weather, but that has either passed or is not bad enough to deter those players from playing on Thursday.

Auston Matthews and Matthew Tkachuk had been feeling much better and were participating in practices prior to Thursday, so it seemed apparent that they were available to play in the game. Brady Tkachuk’s injury had a bit more uncertainty, as he missed some practice time and his availability for the championship game was a bit more uncertain than the rest, but he participated in the team’s morning skate on Thursday and is available to play as well.

Sullivan also mentioned that the lineup is still a game-time decision, indicating that the United States still don’t entirely know who will be in the lineup and who will be scratched. However, with McAvoy’s injury leaving the US with only six defensemen Connor Hellebuyck’s play in net, it’s safe to say that we know who will be playing on defense and in goal.

The United States will look to win their first ever best-on-best hockey tournament when they take on Canada in Boston at 8 p.m. EST.