4 Nations Faceoff | BOSTON NOTEBOOK

The 4 Nations Face-Off is taking place Feb. 12-20 in Montreal and Boston. The Devils have three players taking part in the tournament: Jack Hughes (USA), Jesper Bratt (Sweden), and Erik Haula (Finland).

Check out the notebook below for the latest info, updates, interviews, videos, and more from games and practices throughout the week in Boston!

Full coverage from Montreal

Feb. 20 Coverage

Post-Game Coverage

CAN 3, USA 2 (OT)

In the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off, Connor McDavid's overtime goal sealed the win for Canada, 3-2. In addition to McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon and Sam Bennett scored for Canada while Brady Tkachuk and Jake Sanderson scored for USA.

Nathan MacKinnon’s goal five minutes in put Canada on the board first, giving the visiting team a 1-0 lead. Thomas Harley and Sam Reinhart picked up assists. With just over three minutes left in the opening frame, Brady Tkachuk tied things up, 1-1, as USA’s Captain, Auston Matthews, picked up the lone assist.

USA took its first lead of the game seven and a half minutes into the second period when Jake Sanderson scored his first of the tournament. Auston Matthews recorded his second helper of the night while Zach Werenski also picked up an assist. With six minutes left in the middle frame, Sam Bennett tied the game, 2-2, as he scored his first goal of the tournament. The game remained tied 2-2 through the third period and the Championship game went to overtime. Connor McDavid scored 8:18 into the extra frame to win the 4 Nations Championship for Canada, 3-2.

Jack Hughes started the game on a line with Jake Guentzel and Auston Matthews. However, USA changed their lines throughout the game to generate more chances and fill Matthew Tkachuk's minutes, as the forward was limited due to an injury. The changes led to Hughes playing primarily with J.T. Miller and Brock Nelson.

Hughes played 15:10 in regulation and an additional 1:10 in overtime. He had one shot in regulation. He finished the tournament with one assist in USA’s 6-1 win over Finland on Feb. 13.

"I thought our team competed extremely hard all night long," USA's head coach Mike Sullivan said following the game. "It was a tremendous hockey game. Fast pace. This is the fastest hockey that I've ever been a part of, the whole tournament. Tonight was no different.

"It was a pretty even hockey game where both teams had momentum at different times," Sullivan continued. "I thought it was an incredible display of hockey on both sides. This is the very best of the best out there ... I just thought it was a tremendous hockey game."

Tonight puts a bow on the 4 Nations Face-Off. Jack Hughes will return to New Jersey as the Devils resume their regular season slate at home on Saturday. Saturday evening's game against the Dallas Stars is Jersey Rocks Night presented by Prudential Financial. Tickets are still available here.

USA Morning Skate Coverage:

PRE-GAME: Jack Hughes

It's the final day of the 4 Nations Face-Off as Team USA and Canada will meet in tonight's Championship game. Game time is 8 p.m. ET with ESPN hosting the game broadcast.

Jack Hughes is the lone Devils representative left at the tournament. He's played on a line with Auston Matthews and Jake Guentzel for two of the three games.

USA had a heavily attended optional morning skate but were missing four players: Auston Matthews, Matthew Tkachuk, Chris Kreider, and Jack Eichel. Jack Hughes participated in the on-ice session and discussed what he expects out of tonight's matchup.

"Should be the same, just as fast, just as physical," Hughes said about facing Canada for the second time this tournament. "I don't know if there will be the fights tonight but definitely should be a great game."

Hughes also discussed the experience of 4 Nations so far and the time he's had with this team.

"It's been a lot of fun for me just to be with this group," Hughes shared pre-game. "It's a great group. I've had a lot of fun these last bunch of days. Hopefully we can cap it off well and end the week or two on a great note."

Feb. 19 Coverage

On Wednesday, USA and Canada held their final practices for the 4 Nations Face-Off ahead of Thursday's Championship game.

In USA's practice, Jack Hughes continued to skate on a line with Auston Matthews and Jake Guentzel. The three played together in the first two games of 4 Nations; however, J.T. Miller filled in for Matthews when USA's Captain missed Monday's game against Sweden.

Back in New Jersey, as part of his rehab plan, Jacob Markstrom participated in drills at the start of the Devils practice Wednesday. Learn more about the on-ice session here.

Feb. 18 Coverage

The Next Round

Over Feb. 18 and 19 the final two teams of the tournament, USA and Canada, will prepare for a rivalry rematch Thursday night for the 4 Nations Face-Off Championship. There was plenty of competition and excitement in the first edition on Feb. 15. Both teams held media availabilities on Tuesday, giving their players a rest day after each team played Monday in the final day of round-robin games.

Jack Hughes (USA) is the only member of the Devils still competing after both Jesper Bratt (Sweden) and Erik Haula (Finland) were eliminated from the Championship game Monday.

Back in New Jersey, the break is over and the Devils have started practicing once again. Devils Captain Nico Hischier returned to practice and head coach Sheldon Keefe had news on Jonas Siegenthaler's status. Read more about Tuesday's practice here.

The first game back from the break is Saturday when the Devils host the Dallas Stars for the first meeting between the teams this season. Tickets are still available!

Reflecting on the Experience

For only the second time in his career, Jesper Bratt was able to represent Sweden at the senior men's level, and the experience was one he'll never forget.

“It’s super special,” Bratt explained about his experience. “In my career in Jersey, the biggest accomplishment that I have there so far is beating the Rangers in Game 7 which was super cool. This is definitely up there (with) being the coolest thing, especially with how proud you are to be representing your country, best on best, that hasn’t happened in a lot of year. So this is something very special and I’ll always remember this.”

The Devils forward reflected on his time at 4 Nations and his excitement to get back to New Jersey following Monday night's game. Read more here!

Feb. 17 Coverage

POST-GAME COVERAGE

SWE 2, USA 1

In their final game of the 4 Nations Face-Off, Sweden picked up their first win, a 2-1 victory, over USA. Devils forward Jesper Bratt had the game-winning goal for Sweden and his performance earned him Player of the Game recognition. Former Devil, and current Boston University Head Coach, Jay Pandolfo joined Bratt on the ice to present him his gift.

Although Sweden was eliminated from the Championship game based off the result from the 1 p.m. contest, Bratt and Sweden were focused on ending their tournament the right way.

"It's an honor," Bratt said about the experience. "Putting on that jersey is really, really special to me and I know it is true to everyone in here and that's how we showed up now, for the last game, to really end this tournament the best way possible for us.

"For us, the guys in this room, and for our country, it meant a lot for us to get that win," Bratt also shared. "Especially (to) build that feeling in this room and the guys that are around here, going into future tournaments with this group of guys."

USA got on the board early with Chris Kreider scoring 35 seconds into the game. However, Sweden would score twice to take a 2-1 lead heading into the first intermission. Gustav Nyquist got Sweden on the board with six and a half left in the opening frame. With 56 seconds left before the first intermission, Jesper Bratt scored his first goal of the tournament to give his team a 2-1 lead. Bratt took advantage of a screen and showed plenty of skill with his shot to get past American goaltender Jake Oettinger. There were no goals in the second or third period, despite USA's push throughout.

Jack Hughes played 21:21 for USA, had five shots on goal, and two blocked shots. With Auston Matthews out of the lineup, J.T. Miller centered Hughes and Jake Guentzel for the majority of the game. However, there were various combinations out there as the Americans only played 11 forwards and lost Brady Tkachuk to injury as well.

Jesper Bratt played on a line with William Nylander and Leo Carlsson, a change from this morning after Mika Zibanejad missed the game due to illness. He played 17:16 in his final game of 4 Nations and he scored his first goal of the tournament. Bratt recorded two shots and one hit in the win. Bratt's hit was on his Devils linemate, Jack Hughes.

"I don't know how many times we get to play against each other, so I got to take advantage of it, give him a little bump," Bratt said with a smile post-game. "He was obviously playing great. You can really tell how skilled he is and it was cool to be a part of that on the other side of the ice, but obviously I'm happy that we got the win as well."

Bratt finished the tournament with one goal and one assist for two points. He recorded three shots on goal, and one hit. He played 52:21 through three games for Sweden.

CAN 5, FIN 3:

In Monday’s early game, Canada beat Finland 5-3. Canada held a 4-0 lead going into the third period with goals from Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon (2), and Brayden Point. Esa Lindell scored Finland's first goal in the final 10 minutes of the third period. Five minutes later Mikael Granlund scored twice in 23 seconds to bring the game within 1. Sidney Crosby's empty net goal with 56 seconds left in regulation sealed the win. The win in regulation secured Canada’s spot in the Championship game Thursday against the U.S., while eliminating both Finland and Sweden from the tournament.

Erik Haula played all three round-robin games for Finland. Against the Canadians, Haula played 11:57, had two shots on goal, blocked two shots, and recorded three hits. One of Haula's two shots was late in the second period as he tried to redirect in a pass for Finland’s opening goal. His chance was stopped by Canada’s goaltender Jordan Binnington.

Haula didn't record a point through his three games at 4 Nations Face-Off; however, he recorded seven hits, three blocked shots, and had four shots on goal. His total time on ice through the three round-robin games was just shy of 31 minutes, sitting at 30:52.

PRE-GAME COVERAGE

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.”

Feb. 16 Coverage

Shipping (Down) to Boston

4 Nations has shifted from one great hockey city to another. The Montreal half of the tournament wrapped up Saturday night and all four teams traveled to Boston to continue this best-on-best tournament. Sweden and the United States did not practice but held media availabilities on Sunday. Both teams will hold a morning skate Monday. Finland, who plays the early game tomorrow, held practice at TD Garden.

Going into the final round robin games on Monday, USA Hockey is the only team with a ticket booked to Thursday's Championship game. Depending on different scenarios and outcomes tomorrow, the Devils could have two players facing off in the final game. For now, it's just Team USA and Devils Alternate Captain Jack Hughes.

USA Hockey enters this half of the tournament with a more favorable crowd. Hughes discussed what he's expecting when he is a part of the "home team" in Boston.

"We were just in Montreal and it was a pretty hostile environment," Hughes shared. "So we're pumped to have (the crowd) on our side now. I know when we come in here (during the NHL season) it's a pretty great building. Should be a lot of fun to have these guys on our side and a lot of USA flags, that's super exciting."

Hughes is one of the youngest players on Team USA and is learning from veteran American players. He discussed what he's absorbed and what he could bring to his game from this experience.

"It is cool to see guys that I follow (from) around the league, that are great players, and I see them up close in the locker room," Hughes explained. "(To) see how they are during the game and the way they prepare for games. I like what I do (to prepare) but you're always learning and it's good to see what guys are doing, so it's been good for that."

Taking Notice

Finland may not have been a part of last night's USA vs. Canada rivalry game, but Erik Haula enjoyed watching the instant classic.

"I'm like everyone else, loved watching the game," Haula shared. "It was a great hockey game, great players on the ice, intensity, and all that. I think it's great for the game and just shows the passion the guys have playing for their country, and what it means for everyone."

Haula was on a bus to his hotel in Boston when the game started but had started watching on his phone.

"We were on the bus on the way to the hotel, so I just figured I'd tune in," Haula explained. "I had my one-year-old on my lap and just gave the phone to my four-year-old, and (then) three fights (to start) and I said 'hey buddy, what's going on over there.' It was awesome. Obviously I tuned in and watched the rest of the game when we got to the hotel, great game."

Short Memory

Finland may have lost their first game of 4 Nations, 6-1, but they rebounded with a 4-3 overtime win against their rivals, Sweden. When discussing the emotions and turning things around, Erik Haula discussed moving forward quickly.

"Short tournament, you got to take the positives and learn from your mistakes," Haula said after Sunday's practice. "Obviously we didn't play a 60 minute game and against a team like (USA) it's gonna hurt you. The score was ugly but we didn't really feel like it was the case necessarily. We played great hockey for two periods and it could have gone either way. Tough bounces and obviously we didn't play our best so something we can learn from going into tomorrow, we have to be extra good for 60 and give ourselves a chance."

Upcoming Schedule - Feb. 17:

• Canada (0-1-0-1) vs. Finland (0-1-0-1) at 1 p.m. ET on TNT, truTV, Max
• Sweden (0-0-2-0) vs. USA (2-0-0-0) at 8 p.m. ET on TNT, truTV, Max