The United States entered Monday’s 4 Nations Face-Off game against Sweden shorthanded. An already short bench has gotten shorter. Forward Brady Tkachuk has suffered an undisclosed injury and will not return to Monday’s game.
Tkachuk Injury
Brady Tkachuk is officially done for the night.
— Dan Rosen (@drosennhl) February 18, 2025
Tkachuk sustained the injury while crashing the net with the puck in the first period. As Tkachuk moved the puck to his backhand, he fell and slid into the Sweden goal post. His left side made contact with the post. Tkachuk stayed down for a moment but got up fairly fast.
However, Tkachuk would go to the United States locker room upon returning to the bench. The forward did return to the ice for a short shift. He did not join the team on the bench for the start of the second period and has since been ruled out for the remainder of the game.
Brady Tkachuk will not return to tonights game #NHL | #4Nations
pic.twitter.com/Y3THvbkvV7— The Cam & Strick Podcast (@CamandStrick) February 18, 2025
Tkachuk has been making his presence known in the tournament so far. He scored two goals in the United States victory on Thursday. Furthermore, Tkachuk dropped the gloves just three seconds into Saturday’s game with Canada’s Sam Bennett.
Short Bench Gets Shorter
The United States entered Monday’s game knowing they would be without a few players. Matthew Tkachuk is sitting as a precaution as a result of an injury sustained earlier in the tournament. In addition, team captain Auston Matthews is not playing, nor is defenceman Charlie McAvoy.
Monday’s game has no impact on who plays in the championship game on Thursday. The United States clinched their spot in the game with their two regulation wins to begin the tournament. Furthermore, Sweden was eliminated from contention when Canada defeated Finland in regulation earlier on Monday.
Even the Officials Are Getting Hurt
Apparently, Monday is the night for injuries. Referee Wes McCauley will not return to the game due to an undisclosed injury.
Main Photo: Eric Bolte- Imagn Images
