Jon Cooper Pits Sam Bennett Against Matthew Tkachuk in U.S. vs Canada Showdown

BROSSARD, Que. — The hockey rivalry is back in full force.

Jon Cooper, the coach of Team Canada, is setting the stage for a potential fireworks display on ice. The battleplan against the Florida Panthers’ Matthew Tkachuk, a player known for his aggressive style, will see Canadian forward Sam Bennett taking on a similar role. Bennet, also colourful and combative while wearing the red, white, and blue, is ready to tackle any challenge.

“It’ll be interesting if Sam and Matthew meet in a corner at some point,” Cooper said, a smile playing on his lips. “I hope nobody’s sitting here thinking Sam was brought here just to play USA.”

Bennett acknowledges the challenge ahead. “It’s difficult sometimes to strike that balance between aggression and over-aggression, especially given the hauts-fonds between Canada and the U.S.,” he said.

This is no ordinary game. The U.S. versus Canada matchup, betraying a fierce historical rivalry, is being played out on a stage steeped in hockey tradition.

“It’s a big game,” said Connor McDavid, the Canadian captain. “Playing the Americans in Montreal, best-on-best, it’s exactly what you dream of in hockey.”

The tension between these two nations is palpable. Every game leading up to this point has been intense, particularly against Finland when the Tkachuk brothers wreaked havoc.

“The U.S. roster is one of the meanest among the four nations,” Cooper said, referencing the physical and combative style of play that will be seen.

Cooper is making adjustments to his lineup. The all-Lightning third line, with Anthony Cirelli, Brayden Point, and Brandon Hagel, will likely be a fixture. In a move to counter the U.S. attack, Travis Konecny is swapped out for Bennett, who will be centre-man to Brad Marchand on a fourth line designed to cause disruption.

Bennett’s eagerness to participate outweighs his willingness to sit out. “I would gladly be a healthy scratch for every game,” he told Cooper before the tournament started, underscoring his team spirit and determination.

However, the Canadian defense faces challenges. Shea Theodore, a cornerstone of the blue line, is sidelined with a week-to-week injury. This opens a slot for Travis Sanheim to join Drew Doughty’s unit.

More concerning is the illness that has sidelined Cale Makar, Canada’s top defenseman. Known for his forceful playing style and leadership on power plays, Makar’s absence adds urgency to Canada’s lineup decisions.

Cooper’s confidence in Makar’s return is evident. “I’m confident he’ll be there,” he said, expressing his trust in his star player’s resilience.

The rivalry between Canada and the U.S. in hockey is long-standing, but it has grown stronger due to the long gap since their last match-ups. This year, players like Drew Doughty, the captain, and Sidney Crosby will bring experience and familiarity to Team Canada.

“The wait has just amplified it, made you more hungry. And I know the Americans are feeling the same way about playing us. It’s going to be a hard-fought game,” Doughty said, emphasizing the necessity to savor the moment.

Team Canada’s probable lineup against Team USA:
Reinhart – McDavid – Marner
Crosby – MacKinnon – Stone
Hagel – Cirelli – Point
Marchand – Bennett – Jarvis

Toews – Makar
Morrissey – Parayko
Sanheim – Doughty

This U.S. vs. Canada matchup is more than just a game—it’s an event that captures the essence of hockey rivalry, history, and passion.

Join us as we watch this epic showdown unfold. Mark your calendars for Saturday’s game, which will likely be one of the biggest upsets or heartening victories in tournament history.

Stay tuned to Sportsnet for all the action, and don’t forget to stay up to date with all the latest news and analytics. We’ll be bringing you exclusive insights and analysis to keep you in the know.

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