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If someway you don’t already know, Crew Canada are the champions of the first (and certain solely) 4 Nations Face-Off match. The scene on Thursday evening was not like some other hockey sport performed because the 2016 Olympics. After Crew Canada misplaced 3-1 within the spherical robin to Crew USA one week in the past, you knew Canada had their eyes set on successful this all-important sport. Earlier than the Winnipeg Jets return to play tonight, let’s take a fast look again on the championship sport, in addition to summarizing the tournaments for the Jets gamers on the 4 Nations Face-Off: Josh Morrissey, Kyle Connor and Connor Hellebuyck.
All 3 of the Jets on the 4 Nations Face-off have been scheduled to play within the championship sport. Nonetheless, some final minute modifications precipitated Josh Morrissey and Kyle Connor to sit down out and miss the winner takes all sport. The flu bug was going round a number of groups at this match, together with group Canada, and it hit Josh Morrissey on the unsuitable time. After waking up from his pre-game nap, Morrissey felt not properly sufficient to play, so Josh and the group determined he could be out because of his sickness.
Kyle Connor started the match as a prime 6 ahead, however shortly fell to USA’s 4th line. Previous to the championship sport, USA’s teaching workers determined to exchange Kyle Connor with Chris Kreider on the 4th line, forcing Connor out of the lineup. Regardless of his terrific season for the Jets, Connor simply didn’t appear to suit what Crew USA was searching for because the match went on, resulting in the robust resolution of leaving him and his scoring potential out of the lineup.
Connor Hellebuyck was the one Jet on this sport, coming back from resting in USA’s remaining spherical robin sport in opposition to Sweden. In 2 appearances previous to Thursday evening’s sport, Hellebuyck solely allowed 1 objective in every sport, and was close to the highest of the “leaderboard” for match MVP previous to this sport. Hellebuyck didn’t disappoint on the large stage, however as you already know, he got here up simply brief within the championship sport duo vs. Canada’s Jordan Binnington.
Nathan MacKinnon opened the scoring for Crew Canada with a blistering shot by means of site visitors to make it 1-0 Canada. Hellebuyck didn’t have a lot of an opportunity at seeing the puck by means of all of the gamers parked in entrance of the objective. Brady Tkachuk tied the sport up for USA on a wrap-around with simply over 3 minutes to play within the 1st. Jake Sanderson gave Crew USA a 2-1 lead within the 2nd off a rebound and scramble in entrance. Sam Bennett later within the 2nd tied the sport at 2, with a wrist shot that went proper over Hellebuyck’s proper shoulder into the highest of the web. Quick ahead to additional time, and eight:18 into the 20 minute 5 on 5, Connor McDavid was large open in entrance after a move from Mitch Marner, and he made no mistake, wristing one prime nook previous Hellebuyck to win the sport and match. Hellebuyck completed the evening with 24 saves on 27 pictures.
Kyle Connor completed the match with 3 video games performed, 1 help and a -1. It was a good begin to the match for Connor, however as beforehand talked about, he simply couldn’t appear to get the total belief from the teaching workers, which finally led to him being a wholesome scratch within the championship sport. Josh Morrissey appeared in 3 video games, with no factors and a +1. Morrissey stepped up within the lineup when Cale Makar was absent, and was an necessary a part of Canada’s 2nd pairing. Sadly he wasn’t properly sufficient for the championship sport, however he nonetheless contributed to Canada’s success. Connor Hellebuyck began in 3 video games, ending the match with a 1.60 GAA and a .932 save share. Though he wasn’t part of the successful group, it’s honest to say that Hellebuyck was general the most effective goalie on this brief match.
Josh Morrissey was sadly not properly sufficient to go on the ice to say his gold medal and carry the trophy, however he nonetheless leaves the match as a champion. After all of the celebrations from the match settled, the Jets put together for the return to NHL common season play tonight in opposition to the St. Louis Blues. Josh Morrissey and Connor Hellebuyck will sit out and relaxation for tonight’s sport, whereas Kyle Connor is sweet to go tonight after being a wholesome scratch within the championship sport. Eric Comrie begins in objective, whereas Ville Heinola re-enters the lineup on the third pairing with Colin Miller. The Blues will probably relaxation Colton Parayko and Jordan Binnington tonight following their return from the match. Puck drop in St. Louis is at 6:00 pm CT, and examine again right here after the sport for a publish sport recap. Congrats to Josh Morrissey and Crew Canada!
