Off, Team USA is in a sensational position. After defeating Team Finland and Team Canada — both in regulation time — head coach Mike Sullivan’s team has already clinched a spot in the tournament’s Thursday night championship game.

The USA reached the final thanks to a good strategy and a coach like Mike Sullivan, but they lost to Canada, although one of the team's young players earned praise from the experienced coach after the match.

The two have been coaching partners in several cities. Now, however, Sullivan is the head coach and the teacher has become the student.

Following the win, United States head coach Mike Sullivan said Tkachuk was being evaluated for a lower-body injury. Tkachuk noted that he doesn’t believe it’s anything to be concerned about.

“I know, Sid and 'Sully,' it's hard to choose,” Malkin said Wednesday. Understandable. Crosby and Malkin resemble brothers. Sullivan has said so, noting their bickering is reminiscent of his children. The pair have won the Stanley Cup three times (2009, 2016, 2017). Sullivan was their coach for the past two.

The United States and Canada met on Saturday at Bell Centre as part of the 4 Nations Face-Off, the first international tournament to feature exclusively NHL players since the World Cup of Hockey in 2016.

Still, United States coach Mike Sullivan said he had no regrets dressing Tkachuk, who missed the U.S.’s 3-1 loss to Sweden on Monday. “Matthew Tkachuk has an impact on our team in such a way ...