Team USA announces a shocking move with New York Rangers veteran ahead of their first game
Photo credit: NHL.com
Its now official, New York Rangers veteran forward will be a healthy scratch for Team USA's for game of the 4 Nations Fave-Off against Team Finland.
On Thursday, the United States and Finland will meet on the ice for their first game of the 4 Nations Face-Off at the Bell Center in Montreal.
As Team USA has an extremely talented roster, they have to make the tough choose on which players will get to play in their first game, considering every game is a crucial one.
According to several reports, Team USA's management and coaching staff made the decision to scratch New York Rangers veteran Chris Kreider from their lineup:
Definitely a bit of a surprise, despite what many fans think, as Team USA's head coach Mike Sullivan issued such a positive statement on Kreider:
"He's a high-character person, first and foremost. I think Kreidz is a guy we could plug into any line, and he's going to bring key attributes-his size, his skating ability, and his north-south game. He has the ability to score goals and can play net front on the power play.
He can also contribute to the penalty kill. We've played against him a lot, especially being in the same division, so I'm very familiar with his game. But above all, he's just a great person. He's a really good teammate, and his versatility is one of the reasons he's on this roster.
When you look at the types of players we have in supporting roles, versatility is a crucial element-the ability to play multiple positions or take on different responsibilities. And I think he checks a lot of boxes in that regard."
He can also contribute to the penalty kill. We've played against him a lot, especially being in the same division, so I'm very familiar with his game. But above all, he's just a great person. He's a really good teammate, and his versatility is one of the reasons he's on this roster.
When you look at the types of players we have in supporting roles, versatility is a crucial element-the ability to play multiple positions or take on different responsibilities. And I think he checks a lot of boxes in that regard."
However, Chris Kreider is a great leader and player, and will likely make an appearance at least once this tournament. As he has 20 points in 47 games with the New York Rangers.
Previously on NYRangersInsider
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 12 | 1551 ANSWERS Team USA announces a shocking move with New York Rangers veteran ahead of their first game Are you shocked that Chris Kreider was the one named as the healthy scratch for team USA? | ||
| Yes | 637 | 41.1 % |
| No | 914 | 58.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
MUST READ
TRENDING NOW
