Olympic Hockey: Auston Matthews to make Olympic debut for USA, Canada squares off vs. Czechia
It will be an eventful day on the men’s hockey calendar, as Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews is set to make his Olympic debut. Matthews also captains the United States men’s hockey team, and will be taking on Latvia at 3:10 ET this afternoon.
William Nylander led Sweden to a comprehensive 5-2 victory over Italy on Tuesday. Here’s what you need to know from Thursday’s morning slate, with due apologies to France-Switzerland, which is already underway.
Canada vs. Czechia, 10:40 AM ET
Canada begins its quest for gold against France, where Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar lead a new generation of players who have been waiting for this moment their whole careers. McDavid is expected to centre the first line featuring Macklin Celebrini and Tom Wilson on his wings, while MacKinnon will centre Brandon Hagel and Sam Reinhart. And if you’re suspending your team pride for national interest, Mitch Marner is expected to feature on the left wing with Sidney Crosby and Mark Stone as his linemates.
David Kampf is expected to feature in a second-line role for Czechia, with Ondrej Palat and Ondrej Kase on his wings. Kampf refused to report to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies, then signed a one-year pact with the Vancouver Canucks this season.
Denmark vs. Germany, 1:10 PM ET
There are fewer ties to the Maple Leafs here, but expect Denmark-Germany to be a scrappy affair. Germany is led by Edmonton Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl and Ottawa Senators forward Tim Stutzle. Don’t be surprised if Germany topples an established power or two during the tournament. Denmark is led by Nikolaj Ehlers and veteran centre Lars Eller up front, with former Maple Leafs goaltender Frederik Andersen between the pipes.
USA vs. Latvia, 3:10 PM ET
From a Maple Leafs vantage point, this game will be the marquee. Matthews will make his Olympics debut, wearing the ‘C’ for the United States, while on a line with Jake Guentzel and Matt Boldy.
“I think we feel like we’re up there,” Matthews said on January 26. “We should be competing for gold. It’s first Olympics in a while since we’ve been able to consistently be up there. You want to be the best country in the world, and this is a great opportunity.”
Canada and the United States are widely considered the co-favourites entering this tournament, and both North American sides will launch their bids towards Olympic supremacy on Thursday.
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