Nitro News Hype
2026 Olympic Games: Sidney Crosby will not play in men’s gold-medal game against the U.S.
American Matthew Tkachuk squared off with Brandon Hagel right after the opening faceoff. Brother Brady Tkachuck then fought Sam Bennett. Seconds after play resumed, J.T. Miller and Canadian Colton Parayko dropped the gloves.
When Canada faces off against the U.S. for Olympic gold, they’ll take on Brady and Matthew Tkachuk, who were a thorn in the side of the Canadians at the 4 Nations Face-Off last February.
“I’m not really that focused on them,” Canadian forward Tom Wilson told CBC Olympics reporter Kyle Bukauskas. “I’m focused on if I play the Team Canada way, if I play my game, if I play fast and physical, it’s not going to really matter what they’re doing.”
Wilson is Canada’s biggest player and was brought to this tournament not just for his skill and size, but also for his ability to intimidate.
“If they’re worried about me, that’s great,” Wilson said. “I did my job.”
Brady Tkachuk said it will be an emotional game and part of the challenge will be keeping those emotions in check.
With this tournament using international rules, you probably won’t see the fighting we saw between these two teams at the 4 Nations.
“We’re just going to go out there and play the way that we need to play,” Tkachuk said.