Team USA booked their spot in the final of the Four Nations Faceoff with victories over Finland and Canada. With Sweden being the opponent tonight, New York Rangers forward Chris Kreider is set to draw into the US lineup, replacing Matthew Tkachuk, who will sit out with an injury. Kreider has endured a tough season with the Rangers, and this could be a chance for the longest-tenured Blueshirt to kickstart his season on the international level with Team USA.
Kreider's unlikely to get the same chances he does in New York on the powerplay, but his speed and defensive prowess will likely get him a spot on the US penalty kill. He'll come in, looking to fight for a place in the US lineup later this week since the US has already punched its ticket to the Finals, but Kreider's been watching from the press box. He will want to play at the highest level for his nation.
Chris Kreider and Jake Sanderson will play for USA vs Sweden
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 17, 2025
Matthew Tkachuk and Charlie McAvoy rest
Kreider will become the fourth Ranger to represent Team USA in this tournament, joining Adam Fox, J.T. Miller, and Vincent Trocheck, who have gotten into the traditional rotation under Mike Sullivan. None of the Blueshirts in this tournament have announced themselves with any gusto, so Kreider has a chance to remind the world why he was selected for this tournament if he can play well against a Swedish team fighting for its tournament life.
This tournament has shifted from Montreal to Boston, and the Boxford native will want to live up to expectations in his home state when representing his nation. Kreider's got to play with that playoff edge we've seen him play with so often for the Rangers, and he remembers how to come through on the big occasion, just as he did in the postseason last year against Carolina. It's a chance for Kreider to break out of his struggles and build momentum for the entire season.