The Carolina Hurricanes are back on the ice, gearing up for the remainder of their season though a few key players are still tied up in international action. Four members were excused from practice, including Sebastian Aho and Mikko Rantanen, who have wrapped up their campaign with Team Finland and are taking some well-earned rest. Meanwhile, Seth Jarvis and Jaccob Slavin remain in the thick of competition, set to battle in the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game Thursday night at Boston’s TD Garden.
Slavin has been a rock for Team USA, proving himself as one of the most dependable and well-rounded players in the tournament. He’s expected to log heavy minutes in the highly anticipated final. Jarvis, on the other hand, was a healthy scratch for Canada’s recent win over Finland but could find himself back in the lineup for the championship showdown.
While those four are immersed in international play, the rest of the Hurricanes have been hard at work at Invisalign Arena, shaking off the rust and preparing for Saturday’s road matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The locker-room buzz has been all about the 4 Nations tournament, which has been anything but an exhibition-style event. The games have been intense, filled with hard-hitting action, and players have put everything on the line for their countries even at the risk of injury.
“It’s been incredible hockey and a lot of fun to watch,” said Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour. As for predicting the championship winner? He just grinned. “Someone from North America. You play that game 100 times, and it’s probably 50-50. We’ll see.”
Brind’Amour admitted he’s had some nervous moments watching his players in the tournament, especially when they’re logging heavy minutes. “That can make you a little antsy,” he said. Slavin, in particular, has been a key piece for Team USA, earning high praise for his steady play. He and Charlie McAvoy of the Boston Bruins anchored the defense in the Americans’ 3-1 victory over Canada on Saturday, though McAvoy has since been ruled out of the final due to an upper-body injury.
Throughout the tournament, Slavin has impressed analysts and media alike with his intelligent, efficient play. He hasn’t shied away from the physical side of the game either, engaging in battles along the boards including a memorable stick fight with Canada’s Sidney Crosby in front of the net. Averaging 21:31 of ice time per game, he leads Team USA in that category and boasts a +3 rating, tied for third overall in the event. “He’s been lights-out,” Brind’Amour said. “But that’s nothing new to us.”
Back in Raleigh, Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield has been keeping a close eye on the tournament during his break. “I did miss the first two minutes of the U.S.-Canada game,” he admitted, before quickly adding with a smirk, “but I went back and watched it.” And for good reason those opening moments were chaotic, featuring three fights in the first nine seconds. “Call it extreme or call it passion,” Chatfield said. “Either way, those guys wanted to set the tone.”
Veteran defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere, who played in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey for Team North America, wasn’t surprised by the level of intensity at the 4 Nations event. “We knew it would be serious,” he said. “You can see how much pride these guys have in representing their countries. They’re having a blast, and honestly, it’s great for the game.”
But soon, the Hurricanes will shift their full focus back to the NHL grind. Sitting at 33-19-4, Carolina is second in the Metropolitan Division, trailing the Washington Capitals by 10 points while holding a two-point edge over the third-place New Jersey Devils.
With the break coming to an end, the Canes are eager to hit the ice with renewed energy. “It was good to shake off the rust,” Gostisbehere said. “A nice reset, but now it’s back to business.” Chatfield, who was already itching to play just a few days into the pause, summed up the team’s mentality best: “Every team is pushing for the playoffs now. We have to come prepared and finish strong.”
