It’s the Olympic gold medal showdown every North American NHL fan has been dreaming of: Canada versus the USA. This Sunday morning in Milan, these two hockey powerhouses will face off in a rematch of last year's 4 Nations Face-off title game. But let's be real-claiming Olympic gold carries a bit more prestige than a 4-Nations victory.
Ottawa hockey fans find themselves in a bit of a pickle, cheering against two of their favorites, Brady Tkachuk and Jake Sanderson. They’re hoping for a different outcome than last year, where their hearts were split.
Brady Tkachuk, captain of the Senators, is determined to rewrite the script. After a strong semifinal win over Slovakia, he shared his thoughts: “Sometimes you’ve got to go through those tough moments to come out stronger. We’ve got another shot at our childhood dream, something we’ve all been waiting for.”
Tkachuk hasn’t been watching Canada’s games, focusing instead on his own team’s preparation. “They’ve been on top for years with tremendous players.
For us, it’s about leaving everything on the ice, every shift, every play. It’s the sacrifices that will make the difference.”
Tkachuk has been a force in this tournament, racking up 3 goals and 2 assists in five games. Despite wearing a thumb brace, his performance has been stellar, contributing to a +7 rating, which ties him for the lead on a dominant American squad.
Reflecting on the team’s journey, Tkachuk noted, “Our starts haven’t been perfect, but today showed we’re ready to do whatever it takes. With one game left, it’s all on the line, and anything can happen.”
Both Tkachuk and Sanderson hope last year’s loss fuels the Americans this time. “I remember how it felt, and it’s not something I want to feel again,” Tkachuk admitted.
While Sens fans might have mixed feelings, they’re secretly hoping this experience propels Tkachuk to new heights back in Ottawa this spring.