4 Nations Faceoff BOSTON NOTEBOOK

Finland Takes on Canada

With Finland taking part in the 1 p.m. ET game, they did not hold a morning skate. However, Erik Haula discussed the upcoming game against Canada following Sunday's practice.

“It’s a great challenge for us,” Haula shared Sunday. “We’re going to face it head on and play our best game of the tournament. It’s all our focus is.”

Finland is a team with a strong identity and they rely on their entire group to play well defensively and shut down top talent on the other side.

“I think that’s always been our identity, our team game,” Haula explained. “Frustrating the tother team and we have to be better at it than we have been. I think there’s another level we can get to.”

USA's Morning Skate Updates

Ahead of their Monday night game against Sweden, USA Hockey hit the ice for morning skate at Agganis Arena. Jack Hughes continued to take line rushes with Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs) and Jake Guentzel (Tampa Bay Lightning). The Devils alternate Captain also practiced on the second power play unit.

Tonight will be Hughes' first time facing his Devils linemate, Jesper Bratt, at 4 Nations. He discussed what he's seen out of the Swedish forward throughout the tournament so far.

“It’ll be good,” Hughes shared. “Definitely played a lot of good players in the first two games so excited to see Bratt. I watched his first game, he looked pretty good so I’m excited to see him tomorrow. And then I’m really looking forward to getting back with him in New Jersey and having a really good last push.”

Although Team USA has booked their ticket for the Championship game on Thursday, they're still looking to solidify their game and continue their on-ice success Monday night.

“We’re really excited for (Sweden),” Hughes shared Sunday. “We don’t get to play with each other much and we got a great group of guys and we got a good thing going on the ice … we’re really proud to wear the USA jersey and we’re going to be ready to go tomorrow night.”

Sweden's Morning Skate Updates

Following USA, Sweden held their own morning skate. Jesper Bratt took line rushes with William Nylander (Toronto Maple Leafs) and Mika Zibanejad (New York Rangers). He also practiced on one of Sweden's power play units during the on-ice session. Bratt is excited for the opportunity to play with his new linemates in their final round-robin game.

“I’m super excited,” Bratt shared. “Zibanejad I play against a lot. Such a tough centermen that I’ve played against over the years, especially in the (2023) playoffs. I feel like I was on the ice every single time he was on the ice so it’s going to be special to play with him. I’ve seen now in practices, in games, what he can do and I just try to take advantage of his strengths to make him better. I know he knows my game as well and (he) sees what I can do.

“When it comes to Nylander, such a dynamic player,” Bratt continued. “Similar way like Jack, guys who can really carry the puck through the neutral zone and create chances all by himself. So an exciting line there to be a part of and I’m excited for tonight.”

Speaking of Hughes, Bratt shared what he’s expecting when he faces his Devils linemate for the first time this tournament.

“It’s special facing each other, especially with Jack," Bratt explained. "I feel like we obviously go back a long, long time and we’ve been playing with each other for such a long time. He’s one of the guys that I lean on a little bit and we’ve been through a lot together. So it’s really cool and special to get to share the ice but be on opposite sides of each other. And same thing for him, I think he’s probably excited too. But once the puck drops, you’re kind of focused on your thing and your team’s effort.”