Of all four nations taking part in the tournament, nothing is more anticipated than Canada taking on the United States of America.
Canada is set to take on the United States of America as round-robin play continues in Montreal at the 4 Nations Face-Off. USA team captain Auston Matthews spoke to the media just before both countries square off and discussed a matter of topics including:
- Excitement and Atmosphere surrounding the game
- Where team chemistry has come along after one game
- Going against Leafs teammate
- The booing of the American anthem and more.
Q: What are you expecting tonight?
"Yeah, I think you can expect it's going to be a pretty great atmosphere. It's going to be a lot of fun. It's going to be intense. I mean I think it's something that everybody's really looking forward to on both sides. We know the building's going to be rocking and it's going to be a lot of fun."
Q: What makes this rivalry special for you?
"I mean I think it goes back a long time. There's a lot of pride in all these countries. I think especially Canada here and in the US, between their pride in their hockey and all that stuff that goes into it. I mean there's some pretty amazing players on all four teams on both sides. I think in these kinds of formats, the best-on-best. I mean we obviously share a border with Canada. So I think that rivalry is always going to be there. It's always going to be an intense match up."
Q: What have you liked beyond the hockey about Montreal?
"I mean it's a great hockey town. It's been pretty cold here, a lot of snow. But we spend a lot of time here. We play here quite a bit throughout the season. So you kind of have an idea of the restaurants you like to go to and stuff like that. It's been nice to have my parents here and spend some time with them. You know it's been pretty busy though but in the off time that you do have, it's nice to spend time with the guys, spend time with your family."
Q: What do you think about your line with Jake (Guentzel) and Jack (Hughes)?
"I thought we were moving the puck really well. I thought we created some really good opportunities. I thought we were good in our own zone. You know I think just the chemistry seems to be jelling pretty well there and just want to continue to get better tonight and continue to push positive steps forward.":
Q: You get booed here all the time. You seem to have a little bit of that. But the anthem stuff is a little bit different. What's your take on booing the anthem?
" I mean I'm not really going to get into that too much. It's you know obviously don't love to see that. But it is what it is. It's out of our control. But that's all I'm really going to say about it."
Q: What's the key to stopping Mitch tonight?
"Yeah I mean he's obviously a special player. You just got to try to take away his time and space as well as a lot of these guys on this team that play with a lot of pace. They got a lot of skill. They like to attack and challenge you one at once. So just trying to keep them in front of you as much as possible."
Q: Also obviously you had a lot of expectations for this tournament. Has anything taken you by surprise with the level or the intensity or anything?
"I don't think so. I mean I think as players coming into this I think we expected it to be really intense. It wasn't going to be like a... I don't know. I think maybe people thought it was just going to be not as intense or not as... Guys weren't going to be into it as much. But I think it's the complete opposite. And I think it was pretty evident that first game Canada-Sweden. And I know our mindset here all week has been... as well as I'm sure every other team... is that you're coming here to win this tournament. You're coming here to compete and play for your country. And I think that there's a lot on the line. And obviously not putting things... You know the cart before the horse. But with next year in the Olympics. I mean this is a good trial run. And obviously a lot of us want to continue to play for your country and represent and have the opportunity to play there. So... I definitely think it's been about on par with what we've all expected. That was going to be some really good hockey. Exciting hockey. And that it was going to be very passionate and very intense."
Q: What can you think about the third period that went very well for you guys? Have you guys talked about that third period? What you did well and what you want to reproduce tonight?
"Yeah, we've definitely talked about it. I mean I think there's a lot of good things we did through the first and second. There's always things you want to clean up. But... I think that third period was a good... A good recipe of how we want to play. And... You know, not over-complicating things. But you know, using our size, our speed, our skill, getting to the net. I mean... All these teams have great players and they make it difficult on you at times. So... You know, goals are scored at the net and I thought we did a good job of getting there, especially in the third."
Q: Especially maybe with the Tkachuk brothers. Like what stood about seeing them together on the same line and what they were able to do?
"Yeah, it's pretty cool. It's pretty cool. And I'm sure they're enjoying it just as much... Or more than anybody could imagine. So it's been pretty cool to see them... You know, kind of mesh there in that second, third period. And obviously, you know, both their playing styles are pretty similar. You know, the way they play the game, they... They make it difficult on you. And so... I know I saw... Zach (Werenski) said it's already annoying playing against one of them. I can't imagine the both of them on the same line. So it's... I thought that quote was, you know, pretty perfect for... You know, just the way those two guys compete and play. It's been fun to see."
Q: What does it do for your line with them playing at that level right now?
"Well, I mean, I think it elevates everybody. Everybody wants to push and... You know, create and stuff like that. But I think, you know, you see the intensity and the fire that those guys play with. And I think it raises everybody's level too."
Q: Is this the biggest game of your life?
"I mean, I think I've played in some pretty big games. Obviously, Game 7s and stuff like that. But I mean, I just think with the history, this is my first opportunity playing in a game. USA vs. Canada at this level. So, I mean, it's definitely up there."
Q: How much does a moment like this help you in terms of developing more as a player? But very bigger moments down the road.
Yeah, definitely. I think it's just everything that goes into it. You just want to embrace it. You want to go out there and just compete. Have fun. I mean, these are the moments that I think you dream about and you think about as a kid growing up. You know, being able to represent your country is obviously very special. And the rivalry goes back a long time. So, just making the most of it. Having fun and going out there and just competing.
Q: There's been a lot of push, obviously, from the players themselves to return to international best-on-best. And I'm just curious, like, what does it feel like to have the fruits of your labor really materializing?
"It feels great. Yeah, it feels great. You know, I think it's been a long time coming. It's, you know, fortunate to play on that World Cup North America team. But, you know, it's been a long time since a lot of us have been able to represent our country at this level. You know, aside from like a World Championships. But, you know, this is definitely probably a different atmosphere, different intensity, different level. So, you know, it definitely is very special."
Q: What kind of game are you guys expecting tonight? I mean, obviously, fans are looking at all these star players and figuring it's going to be a shootout. But it seems like it's pretty tough to get to the net.
A: "Yeah, I mean, I expect it to be fast and physical. And, you know, both teams have so much high-end skill. So I think there's going to be such an emphasis on trying to obviously limit those high-end guys. And like I said, just keeping them in front of you as much as possible because they're dangerous."
Q: What does Zach (Werenski) bring to your power play unit? And what's like the key for you guys once you get on the main advantage?
"Yeah, he's incredible. He really just moves honestly like the way he stick handles and everything is to me it's almost like a forward. But obviously, he's got the size and he skates so well and he defends well. And I mean, on the power play, he's extremely deceptive. He's got a great shot. He's a dual threat at all times. And he moves it very quick. So definitely got to be ready when he's out there because he snaps it pretty quickly. But I'm excited. I thought, you know, the reps we got in the third period there were good. And, you know, today in practice had some good looks. So I just want to, you know, continue to build that momentum that we had the other night because the main advantages are really important, especially in games and situations like these."
