Deen’s Daily: Mayhem to Start Canada vs USA Game; Makar Out; Lehkonen Benched

The most entertaining day of the 4 Nations Face-Off was a huge success. How about that start to the USA vs Canada game? Also, the latest on Cale Makar’s status and Artturi Lehkonen being benched.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — February 16.

Colorado Hockey Now

Starting with the first game, Lehkonen and the Finns came out on top with a 4-3 overtime victory over Team Sweden. This, combined with USA’s victory against Team Canada, sets up a scenario where the Americans could face any of the other three teams in the final.

Canada has the upper hand from the trio because of their head-to-head tie-breaker victory over Sweden. Basically, if Canada defeats Finland in regulation on Monday, it’ll set up a rematch of Saturday night’s feisty game against Team USA.

Lehkonen was benched for Finland — something you rarely, if ever, see.

He started on the first line but switched places with Kaapo Kakko and didn’t play much in the second half of regulation or OT.

Lehkonen-Haula-Teravainen have only seen one shift 5-on-5 in third. Since Kakko moved up, Finland rolling three lines. https://t.co/SFNWkbQG99

— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) February 15, 2025

The start of Canada vs USA was mayhem. It was an all-timer — an instant classic.

Catch my 10 Observations from Team USA’s 3-1 victory.

Around the NHL

Detroit Hockey Now: Mikko Rantanen scored for Finland and got revenge on… Nick Lidstrom? Yep, you read that right.

Vegas Hockey Now: Three ways the Vegas Golden Knights could temporarily replace Shea Theodore, who is out week-to-week after suffering an injury with Team Canada on Wednesday.

Florida Hockey Now: Matthew Tkachuk did not finish the game. Was it more precautionary?

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Erik Karlsson took the high road, ending a war of words with Sweden’s head coach.