Pettersson is heading to the 4-Nations Face-Off tournament with much needed confidence. Plus, a look at this week’s 4-Nations games, including Canada vs. the U.S.
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It was shaping up as the great escape for Elias Pettersson.
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With his NHL point production plummeting, his once dominant multi-layered game in the doldrums and his confidence at an all-time low, joining his Swedish countrymen in the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament this week was going to be the elixir for the Vancouver Canucks centre.
It would be the magical and medicinal potion to cure everything that has been ailing him.
Pettersson will be reunited with national-team coach Sam Hallam, his Swedish elite league bench boss at Vaxjo HC. And projected to play between Filip Forsberg and Lucas Raymond on an intriguing second line, he could have a proven veteran and an emerging star on his flanks.
Pettersson could apply his 2018 and 2019 world championship efforts — a combined 13 points (4-9) in 13 games — to soak up camaraderie and enjoy the experience. And, most importantly, forget a miserable and disconnected recent run of just five points (1-4) in 14 games after missing four with an upper-body injury.
Canucks Report
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“I just want him to have fun,” said Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet. “I know it’s a serious tournament, and everybody wants to win, but I want him to go and represent with his countrymen. Try some stuff and rejuvenate his whole demeanour.
“He had some fun (Saturday) and he’s got to understand pressure is fun sometimes.”
Not slipping into shadows of the Hockey Night in Canada spotlight at Rogers Arena helped his confidence and prep for international play in Montreal and Boston.
Pettersson played at pace, held on to pucks, put defenders on their heels, executed pinpoint passes and his rocket of a shot clanged off the post in a 2-1 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs.
He enters the break on an encouraging note and it was evident in his post-game body language and upbeat tone.
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Now, the accent for Pettersson is to just play and look forward and not behind. Take the best from Saturday, including a laser pass to Filip Hronek’s opening goal and matching up well against Auston Matthews. Move on.
“I could just tell early on that he was into it,” added Tocchet. “He needs a bit of a push and that was a big thing. Hopefully, he can build off it.”
Here’s a look at 4-Nations games this week in Montreal before the event shifts to Boston:
Canada vs. Sweden
When and where: Wednesday, 5 p.m. | Bell Centre
TV: Sportsnet. Radio: Sportsnet 650
Why watch: Elias Pettersson’s happy place?
There’s something to be said for playing freely and remembering good vibes from capturing world title gold in 2018. Pettersson and Forsberg played on that team, and the potential to play prime-time playmaker with the veteran and intriguing Raymond should light a fire within Pettersson to play a key role.
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Who to watch: Oldies but real goodies
Sidney Crosby had upper-body injury, but will gut it out at age 37. His 47 points (20-27) in 37 elite-level international games are the excellence benchmark. Drew Doughty, 35, missed 47 games with ankle fracture and replaces injured Alex Pietrangelo. He has 17 points (2-15) in 28 senior international tests.
U.S. vs. Finland
When and where: Thursday, 5 p.m. | Bell Centre
TV: Sportsnet. Radio: Sportsnet 650
Why watch: Don’t sleep on the Finns
At the world championship, they upset Canada to claim gold in overtime in 2019 and then prevailed again in 2022. They were an unknown entity in 2019 with a team built more on positional play rather than big point producers. They didn’t have a player in top 10 scoring, but had a very hot goalie (see below).
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Who to watch: Goaltender Kevin Lankinen
The Canucks stopper will vie for net with former Nashville Predators teammate Juuse Saros, but his numbers are superior this season. He should get the start. Saros was lit up for six goals Thursday by the lowly Chicago Blackhawks. Lankinen also had stellar numbers in backstopping that 2019 world win.
Finland vs. Sweden
When and where: Saturday, 10 a.m. | Bell Centre
TV: Sportsnet. Radio: Sportsnet 650
Why watch: They don’t like each other
The Finns are without three injured defencemen, including top pairing Dallas Stars D-man Miro Heiskanen, who had knee surgery Feb. 3. They will likely adjust for the grudge match by moving Niko Mikkola to align with Esa Lindell as top shutdown pair. Tough task awaits.
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Who to watch: Winger Mikko Rantanen
The former Colorado Avalanche sniper was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes on Jan. 24, then suffered a lower-body injury and didn’t play Saturday. He was deemed fit to play in the 4 Nations and has history of delivering: In four world events, he has 31 points (9-22) in 31 games.
U.S. vs. Canada
When and where: Saturday, 5 p.m. | Montreal, Bell Centre
TV: Sportsnet. Radio: Sportsnet 650
Why watch: Another rivalry ramps up
Canada must match speed, balance, finish. You need dynamic lines and Jack Eichel between J.T. Miller and Matthew Tkachuk, along with Auston Matthews centring Kyle Connor and Jack Hughes, are elite. Connor McDavid with Nathan MacKinnon and Crosby need to respond.
Who to watch: Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck
Reigning Vezina Trophy winner leads NHL stoppers, who have played at least 30 games, with stunning numbers. He’s tops in wins (34), goals-against average (2.06), saves percentage (.925) and shutouts (6). Has 9-1-0 record for U.S. in two worlds tourneys with 1.59 GAA, .930 percentage, two shutouts.
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