Hellebuyck is confirmed to start the opener for the Americans, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him go wire-to-wire. The Michigan native is one of the best goaltenders going in the NHL this season, and he is on pace to rack 50 victories and 9 shutouts, both of which would be career high marks.

The nine-day international tourney continues on Thursday night with Team United States and Team Finland both playing in their first game.

See which streaming services or TV channels you need to watch every game of the NHL's week-long international tournament.

Toronto Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) chases the puck against the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Raleigh, N.C., Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Karl DeBlaker) AP

The United States and Finland will play Thursday night in the 4 Nations Face-Off. Here's what you need to know about the game.

"I mean, it's going to be a lot of fun," Sweden forward Filip Forsberg said. "Obviously, it's a rivalry that goes back to medieval times, pretty much." While there may not be any tapestries or other ancient art on the Viking Age of hockey,

With a surplus of talent at all positions, Team USA is a favorite at the 4 Nations Face-Off, and heavily favored for its opening game matchup against Finland on Thursday night in Montreal. The United States boasts its most talented squad assembled for an international tournament since winning the 1996 World Cup of Hockey.