All of those absences were deemed "precautionary" by Team USA head coach Mike Sullivan, as was the decision to keep Brady Tkachuk off the ice during the second and third periods M
Dallas Stars forward Mikael Granlund assisted on Finland’s opening goal before Team USA took control in the third period.
Tkachuk, who left Team USA's 2-1 loss to Sweden on Monday due to a lower-body injury, was absent from Wednesday's practice because of an illness, according to Scott McLaughlin of WEEI. Team USA coach Mike Sullivan still believes Tkachuk will play Thursday versus Canada.
Tkachuk (lower body) is slated to play in Thursday's 4 Nations Face-Off game versus Canada, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports. Tkachuk left Monday's 2-1 loss to Sweden at 5:12 of the first period after crashing into the Swedish net behind Samuel Ersson.
The Brady Tkachuk leaving the Senators rumours have been around for quite some time, and after recent performances, it's becoming clear that he's on the way out.
Highly skilled with blunt physicality and a win-at-all-costs attitude. The 25-year-old is ready to have his definitive moment.
The NHL and the sport of hockey got a major glow-up from the 4 Nations Face-Off. These four participants saw their personal stock rise as well.