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BROSSARD, Quebec — Jon Cooper has not experienced an international tournament alongside the NHL’s elite players since the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, which included a comprehensive training camp and several exhibition matches for preparation.
The current 4 Nations Face-Off provides a stark contrast, as teams from Canada, the United States, Sweden, and Finland gathered for their first practice on Monday, knowing that every moment counts. With limited time for practice—only two sessions and a game-day morning skate before their matchup—forming chemistry rapidly is crucial.
“This event requires us to hit the ground running,” Cooper expressed. “In these scenarios, it’s often not just the best players who emerge victorious, but rather the best team. The team that can synchronize quickly and plays for one another in this short tournament format will likely hold the upper hand.”
The bonding began the previous night during Super Bowl gatherings, where the Philadelphia Eagles’ decisive victory over the Kansas City Chiefs served as background entertainment for the players. “While the Super Bowl wasn’t a particularly close contest, we had a fantastic time connecting with one another,” remarked Sweden’s captain, Victor Hedman. “Some teammates I got to know better than others, which was refreshing. Now, it’s time to shift our focus to hockey and set everything else aside.”
All four teams boast rosters filled with Stanley Cup champions and All-Stars, but Canada’s initial practice was remarkable for the sheer concentration of talent. Their top power-play lineup features the likes of Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Sam Reinhart.
This is what U.S. coach Mike Sullivan refers to when he claims, “They’re all dream teams.” His American squad and Finland have a bit of an edge as they enjoy additional practice time before their first game on Thursday night in Montreal, although the urgency to acclimatize quickly still reigns supreme.
“Forming a cohesive team is our primary obstacle,” stated Sullivan. “Winning will require more than just raw talent. A significant aspect is to truly become a team, and that’s where the challenge lies. We aim to tackle it by working on on-ice chemistry and ensuring everyone appreciates and embraces their designated roles.”
Finland may possess fewer high-profile names, but the country of 5.5 million has a cohesive playing style that could serve them well. “Finland has a reputation for unity,” said captain Aleksander Barkov. “The national team system ingrains in us an understanding of how to collaborate. The key is that we play together, no matter the system. Everyone will give their best, and that’s the reason behind Finland’s past successes, which will ring true here as well.”
In a unique choice among the four teams, Finland opted for an optional skate, described by coach Antti Pennanen as a “recovery practice day,” aimed at conserving energy for the upcoming games.
Conversely, both Canada and the U.S. conducted fast-paced, invigorating practices, with players moving the puck swiftly as if they were children reuniting after a summer break. The energy level was magnified by the players being in midseason shape, a notable difference from the 2016 World Cup held in the fall.
“It’s hard to hold back when the intensity is so high,” declared Reinhart. “With everyone moving at that pace, excitement is in the air, and that’s exactly how you want your teammates to feel.”
Additionally, coaches are focusing on building familiarity, encouraging players to adapt to their new surroundings despite their experiences in the NHL. “We felt the chemistry from the outset during practice, which was reassuring,” noted Sweden’s William Nylander. “We just plan to go out and play, keeping the thinking to a minimum and simply being ourselves.”
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