Nathan MacKinnon on Canada/USA rematch: 'We can beat those guys'

Thursday night in Boston is going to be one of the ages, as Canada and USA get set to meet in the final of the 4 Nations Face-Off. Yes, last weekend's round-robin game is going to be tough to beat, especially the first period, but Canada is up for the test and feel they have every chance in the world to come out on top.

Nathan MacKinnon spoke postgame after Canada defeated Finland 5-3, to punch their ticket to the finals. "The last thing we wanted to do was go home," MacKinnon told reporters following Canada's 5-3 win over Finland on Monday. "We'd love to play (USA) again. We feel like we can beat those guys. We plan on playing a little better Thursday."

"It's gonna be intense," Canada winger Brad Marchand said. "They showed what type of game they can play. They don't give up much. They're gonna be ready to compete hard on Thursday. We're the same. We're really excited about it, to have another crack at these guys.There's no bigger rivalry in hockey than Canada-U.S. It's the matchup that everyone wanted."

The Americans are banged up, as Auston Matthews, Matthew Tkachuk and Charlie McAvoy missed their last game against Sweden. McAvoy was admitted to a hospital with an upper-body injury, and at this point, he's the least likely to play. Brady Tkachuk was also injured during USA's last game, and is questionable for Thursday.

Regardless of who is in the lineup, Canada wants revenge and MacKinnon feels they have everything it takes to come out on top.

Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images