United States Hockey Team Prepares for 4 Nations Face-Off
MONTREAL – During Tuesday’s practice at the Bell Centre, the U.S. team focused on their power play strategies, and Dylan Larkin surprisingly entered as part of the penalty kill squad. Despite being a powerhouse with 12 power-play goals for the Detroit Red Wings this season and boasting exceptional agility, Larkin embraced his role change. This best-on-best contest, the 4 Nations Face-Off featuring elite teams from Canada, Finland, Sweden, and the U.S., pushes coaches to make difficult decisions and encourages big-name players to adapt. “Each of these athletes plays a vital role on their NHL teams,” U.S. coach Mike Sullivan explained. “However, not everyone can be on the first power play. We need key players who can effectively contribute to the penalty kill. We’re defining roles to unite our team, a challenging necessity in such tournaments, and we’re pursuing this strategy rigorously.”
Larkin’s situation exemplifies the pleasant dilemma faced by the U.S. team, which is set to compete against Finland first at the Bell Centre on Thursday evening (8 p.m. ET on ESPN+, ESPN, SN, and TVAS). This U.S. lineup may be one of the most skilled since the victorious 1996 World Cup of Hockey team. Notably, some stellar forwards didn’t make the initial cut, including Clayton Keller, Jason Robertson, Cole Caufield, and Tage Thompson. The question remains: who would make room for Larkin on the power play? The top unit includes defenseman Adam Fox alongside forwards Jack Eichel, Jack Hughes, Auston Matthews, and Matthew Tkachuk, while the second features defenseman Zach Werenski with forwards Matt Boldy, Kyle Connor, Jake Guentzel, and Brady Tkachuk.
“Indeed, it’s complex,” said general manager Bill Guerin, a 1996 World Cup alumni. “Yet we’re confident in our team’s composition. Everyone understands their roles. Only so many players can occupy power play or penalty kill spots. They’re all accustomed to significant minutes and roles. Surrendering personal glory for the team’s benefit is crucial, as Mike emphasized; self-sacrifice is essential. It’s a welcome issue thanks to our depth. That speaks volumes for where we’re at.”
Dylan Larkin represents the fire and commitment necessary for the 4 Nations Face-Off. No stranger to international competition, thanks to his experience in the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, he’s a natural leader as the Red Wings captain. Ranking second among Detroit’s forwards in shorthanded ice time this season, Larkin embraces his new responsibilities. “I completely understand my role and am pumped for penalty killing opportunities,” Larkin stated. “Should they need me on power play during the tournament, I’ll be set. We’ve had discussions about embracing our roles, and I’m enthusiastic about doing whatever it takes to play on this team—even if that means solely focusing on penalty kills, I’ll do it gladly.”
Guerin and his management aspire to instill the same selfless team spirit found in the successful 1996 squad. “Reflecting on ‘96, we did what was necessary, played where needed, and accepted our roles,” Guerin said. “In constructing our team, alignment in skill and character was our primary focus.”
As the 4 Nations Face-Off commences this evening at 8 PM ET, it’s evident that the most talented team won’t necessarily triumph—the most cohesive will. With quick tournament pacing, there’s no room for experimentation. Teams will compete in three round-robin matches, earning three points for regulation wins, two points for overtime or shootout wins, one point for overtime or shootout losses, and none for regulation losses. The U.S. will face off against Canada at Bell Centre on Saturday and Sweden at TD Garden in Boston on Monday, with the championship game slated for February 20 at TD Garden. “We must recognize that sacrifices are vital,” concluded Sullivan, “Our strategy revolves around integrating talent and forming a team that maximizes our chances for victory.”