Team USA took on Team Finland to open up their 4 Nations Face-Off schedule. It was a highly anticipated matchup between two teams loaded with superstars.
One of those superstars is New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes. New Jersey selected Hughes with the first overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, and he has developed into everything they hoped for and more. Now, he plays a key role in everything that the Devils do and is a prominent player for Team USA. Hughes is one of the faces of the team as one of their most marketable players.
Jack Hughes looked incredible playing next to Auston Matthews
The game didn't start too well for Team USA as the Finns took a 1-0 lead on a goal scored by Henri Jokiharju. Mikael Granlund made a brilliant play to set him up for a beautiful snipe.
Before the first period ended, Brady Tkachuk tied the game. They took that 1-1 tie into the first intermission thinking that they were in a battle. At that point, they were. In the second period, Matt Boldy scored off a tip. He deflected his Minnesota Wild teammate's shot into the net. From there, Team USA started to take over. In the third period, the Americans scored four unanswered goals to secure a 6-1 victory over the Finnish. Matthew Tkachuk scored two, Jake Guentzel scored one, and Brady Tkachuk added a second.
On the Guentzel goal, Jack Hughes collected his first point of the tournament. He made a brilliant pass to Auston Matthews, who fed Guentzel for the goal.
That line was incredible for the entire game, and they were finally rewarded. Matthews and Hughes looked like they had been teammates for 10 years. Each of them did a great job of finding the other. There were goalposts, great chances saved by Finnish goalie Jusse Saros, and eventually, the play that led to Guentzel's goal.
Erik Haula was also involved in this game. He was on the losing side with Team Finland. He isn't as much of an impact player as Hughes but he had a few moments where he was noticeable. Finland will take on their rival Sweden on Saturday afternoon.
Now, Jack Hughes and Team USA are going to take on Team Canada on Saturday night in Montreal. This has been a highly anticipated matchup since the tournament was announced. If they want to beat the best, which Canada has been for a long time, they need this line to keep playing like this