BOSTON — Chris Kreider played his way into Team USA’s championship lineup.
The longest-tenured Ranger suited up and skated in the United States’ 3-2 overtime loss to Canada to conclude the 4 Nations Face-Off on Thursday night at TD Garden.
Kreider, who played 6:25 in the loss, was a healthy scratch in Team USA’s first two games.
Chris Kreider battles Cale Makar for the puck during Team USA’s 3-2 overtime loss to Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off final. Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
U.S. head coach Mike Sullivan had high praise for Kreider after he made his tournament debut against Sweden, and it was evident the 33-year-old had made an impression.
“Sure it does,” Sullivan said when asked if Kreider fits the style his team wants to play. “He’s a big, strong kid that can play a physical game.”
Kreider started on the fourth line with New York teammate Vincent Trocheck and the Islanders’ Brock Nelson, but Sullivan ultimately put his lines in a blender.
The Rangers forward finished with a team-low 6:25 of ice time.
Chris Kreider mixes it up with Cale Makar during Team USA’s overtime loss to Canada. Getty Images
There were no gloves dropped to start this one, but the Canadians dictated the pace early.
It led to Nathan MacKinnon barging up the middle of the zone and whipping one past Team USA goalie Connor Hellebuyck (24 saves) to open the scoring less than five minutes into the game before the Avalanche star was announced as the player of the tournament with four total goals.
Sullivan then swapped Jack Eichel with Auston Matthews to center the Tkachuk brothers, which led to Brady Tkachuk’s game-tying chip in off a wraparound pass from Team USA captain Matthews.
Nathan MacKinnon celebrates with teammates after scoring a first period goal in Team USA’s overtime loss to Canada. Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
Team USA took its first lead of the night at the 7:32 mark of the second period when Jake Sanderson banged home a loose and bouncing puck. The Canadians never balked at the deficit.
Sam Bennett later evened the score a second time, roofing one on Hellebuyck.
Canada coach Jon Cooper announced Thursday morning that Seth Jarvis, who played 12:45, would replace Travis Konecny.
Defenseman Josh Morrissey also was a late scratch due to illness, which resulted in Thomas Harley drawing in.
Harley, who played 21:56, recorded an assist on MacKinnon’s opening goal.