Team USA scratches hard-nosed veteran ahead of game vs. Finland
This decision has gotten a lot of people talking at the 4-Nations tournament. Full story below:
Thirteen forwards made Team USA’s roster for the Four Nations tournament, which kicks off tonight with a show down between Canada and Sweden, and it was obvious that one player would be the odd man out.
However, fans reacted this morning to Mollie Walker’s report that New York Rangers veteran Chris Kreider would be the one watching Team USA from the press box on Thursday night, for the club’s first game of the tournament.
At the team’s first practice, Kreider rotated with Detroit Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin, indicating that his spot in the lineup is not set in stone. Then on Wednesday, for the team’s second practice session, Kreider was once again the extra attacker.
The Americans’ decision should not come as a surprise seeing that Kreider, despite his leadership and offensive skills, has been having a down year in New York. He has not been able to keep up with his stats from 2023-24, in which he had ecorded 39 goals, 36 assists and 75 points in 82 games while averaging 18:47 minutes. So far in 2024-25, Kreider has collected 16 goals and just four assists in 47 contests.
Although he is likely to be watching from the press box tomorrow night, Kreider will keep fighting for his spot with Team USA.
In the meantime, the Americans did confirm that Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck is getting the nod to start against Finland.
