4 Nations Ice Chips: Kakko, Kreider project as scratches Thursday
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Keep up to date with all the latest injury updates and news during the 4 Nations Face-Off.
Finland
Larry Brooks of the New York Post reports Kaapo Kakko was the last forward on the ice during Finland's gameday skate and projects to be the team's healthy scratch against the United States.
Traded from the New York Rangers earlier this season, Kakko has five goals and 17 points in 24 games since joining the Seattle Kraken.
Star winger Mikko Rantanen did not part in the skate, but remains expected to play.
The focal point of the biggest trade this season, Rantanen has struggled since joining the Carolina Hurricanes. He has one goal and one assist in six games since the trade from the Colorado Avalanche.
Canada
Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon were the only players on the ice for Canada's optional skate on Thursday.
The two combined for a power play in Wednesday's 4-3 overtime win over Sweden, with Crosby being named player of the game after a three-assist outing.
United States
Winnipeg Jets star Connor Hellebuyck will start Thursday's game against Team Finland, going head to head with Juuse Saros.
Hellebuyck has been the league's best goaltender this season with a 34-7-2 record and a .925 save percentage and a 2.07 GAA.
Saros has struggled this season with an 11-23-6 with an .899 save percentage and a 2.95 GAA with the Nashville Predators. He gets the nod over Vancouver Canucks netminder Kevin Lankinen and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen of the Buffalo Sabres.
The Americans have the strongest goaltending group in the tournament with Hellebuyck, Jake Oettinger of the Dallas Stars and Boston Bruins netminder Jeremy Swayman available to them.
Chris Kreider appears set to serve as a healthy scratch after serving as the 13th forward for Team USA once again during Thursday's gameday skate.
Ottawa Senators defenceman Jake Sanderson skated as the extra player on the blueline. He was a late addition to the roster, replacing Vancouver Canucks star Quinn Hughes.