It’s the United State against Canada for the 4 Nations title and Pens Points is here to help get you amped and ready.
A thrilling 4 Nations Face-off culminates this evening as the United States and Canada square off in the championship game at TD Garden in Boston. Less than a week ago, the teams first met in the round robin phase of the tournament that saw the US prevail 3-1 in a game that began with three fights in the first nine seconds of play. Now they meet again, this time with a trophy on the line for the winner.
Puck drop is scheduled for 8:00 PM and will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.
Pens Points…
Mike Lange, the voice of the Pittsburgh Penguins that many of us grew up listening to, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 76 at his home. [The Athletic $$]
Rather than fighting for a championship together, this time Mike Sullivan and Sidney Crosby will go head-to-head for the first time. Sullivan’s system kept Crosby in check the first time around, but doing it twice will be no easy task. [Pensburgh]
Crosby has been outright dominant through three games of the 4 Nations, but even if he wasn’t racking up points on the ice, his Canada teammates know that just his presence is enough to inspire them to win. [The Athletic $$]
It’s already been a major bounce back season for Rickard Rakell, scoring 25 goals in 56 games. That puts him on pace for 36 goals, but a hot streak could be enough to propel him to 40, which puts him on an exclusive list for Swedish players. [The Hockey News]
When the Penguins return to action on Saturday, expect to see at least one welcome face back in the lineup. After missing the team’s last six games before the break, Evgeni Malkin plans to return against the Washington Capitals. [Sports Illustrated]
If you heard any rumblings about the prospect of Evgeni Malkin retiring after this season you can forget the idea. Malkin forcefully denied he will be stepping away from the NHL and reiterated his desire to retire as a Penguin. [TSN]
While the Penguins have been enjoying some time off, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins have been rolling right along with its season. Last week the Baby Pens picked up four of a possible six points against rivals Hershey and Lehigh Valley. [Pensburgh]
Assistant general manager Jason Spezza has been helping run the ship in Wilkes-Barre and has seen the team improve greatly under his leadership. Led by a young player pool, the Baby Pens have been showing out this season. [Trib Live]
NHL News and Notes…
After passing away in 2023, Chicago Blackhawks legend Bobby Hull donated his brain to be studied for head trauma. On Wednesday, researchers from Boston University revealed the Hall of Famer suffered from CTE. [TSN]
United States defenseman Charlie McAvoy remained in a Boston hospital on Wednesday after having a procedure to cure an infection stemming from an injury suffered at the 4 Nations tournament. McAvoy will not play in the Final tonight. [NHL]