SuomiKiekko's question made Brady Tkachuk snap - "We're not that crazy!"

MILANO.

The United States has an incredible team in the Olympics. There is plenty of skill and speed. On top of that, the team has a painful sibling pair for the opponents, Tkachuks.

Matthew and Brady Tkachuk play on the wings of the first line. In between them, Jack Eichel plays the game.

– There is a lot of talk about how they annoy, challenge fights, and get under your skin. But they are both incredible players. They are really skilled and go to the net. It’s easy to play with them as a center, Eichel said after the USA’s practice.

A year ago, the 4 Nations tournament is remembered for the fiery encounter between the United States and Canada. The game had been played for three seconds when both brothers had already fought themselves into the penalty box.

In the Olympics, the situation is different in that if you fight, you are out of the game. So, no fighting is planned here?

– No, we will stick to the rules, Brady Tkachuk said.

Tkachuk had a good laugh when SuomiKiekko asked him if he and his brother are a bit like a modern version of the Hanson brothers from the movie Slap Shot.

– Great question! I don’t think we’re quite that crazy. We’re not at that level.

The Lions’ Anton Lundell plays at the club level in the same Florida Panthers team as Matthew Tkachuk. Lundell told SuomiKiekko how to prepare for the Tkachuks.

– Now that I know both of them, they are incredibly good players. Probably some of the best in the NHL and the world in their roles.

– You just have to keep a cool head and not let them get inside your head. They like to poke, tease, and so on. As long as you are aware of what they are doing and don’t let it affect your own game, that’s the most important thing.

The United States will play its opening match against Latvia in the Olympics on Thursday. The game will be played at 10:10 PM Finnish time.

Jaakko Perttilä
X: @JaakkoPerttila