USA vs. Canada NHL 4 Nations Picks, Preview & PrizePicks

It’s been ten years since the NHL went with the 4 Nations format during their All-Star Break, and let’s hope it continues for years to come. The 4 Nations Face-Off isn’t just another All-Star Game; the top NHL players from the USA, Canada, Finland, and Sweden compete in a round-robin tournament over eight days to determine the best nation in hockey.

On Saturday, we will get a classic matchup between the two current leaders in the 4 Nations Face-Off: USA vs. Canada. USA comes in with three points, while Canada comes in with two points. Below, we’ll give you the top USA vs. Canada picks and analysis for PrizePicks in the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off.

The USA vs. Canada game will be broadcast on ABC/ESPN+/Disney+ at 8 p.m. ET. Below, we’ll give you the top NHL 4 Nations picks, player projections, and a preview for USA vs. Canada for NHL DFS on PrizePicks.

The best way to get real-money action on USA vs. Canada in the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off is on PrizePicks. Just pick More or Less on player projections like points or shots on goal during 4 Nations, and cash out if your picks are correct.

‍

USA vs. Canada: NHL 4 Nations Preview

Canada got off to a hot start in its matchup against Sweden and held a 3-1 lead heading into the third period. Sweden got aggressive in the third, pushing the puck to the offensive zone, which helped get two unanswered goals that sent the game into overtime.

Canada proved why this offense will be difficult with its star power; the reigning Hart Trophy winner Nathan MacKinnon scored, Connor McDavid had an assist, and vintage Sidney Crosby racked up three assists.

Canada did receive some bad news, as defenseman Shea Theodore's wrist injury during the game against Sweden will keep him out for the rest of the tournament.

The USA made a big statement in its first game against Finland in a 6-1 rout. The Americans’ two goals in the first two periods made them seem quiet compared to how the third period went. 

They were getting more aggressive in the crease, and the puck started to find the back of the net. They also began to convert power plays; they started 0-for-2 with the man advantage and then converted two power play opportunities in the final period. 

The Tkachuk brothers look like they’ll be a dangerous duo, as each played a huge part in the win. Brady Tkachuk got it started for USA with an equalizer in the first period and got his second goal in the four-goal third period. Older brother Matthew Tkachuk was the star of the third period and the first star of the game with two power play goals and assisted on the younger brother’s goal.

USA vs. Canada Picks for PrizePicks: NHL 4 Nations

Here are four player picks for the 4 Nations Face-Off on PrizePicks today. Use this player analysis to build your Lineups on PrizePicks for the USA vs. Canada matchup. 

Canada F Nathan MacKinnon

The reigning Hart Trophy winner wasted no time and scored the tournament’s first goal 56 seconds into Canada’s first game. He said before the tournament that he wouldn’t overshoot the puck, but he might have forgotten about that, because he had six shots on goal in the first 4 Nations game, and scored a goal. 

He’s one of the more talented players on the team and could take plenty of shots; he’s had at least five shots on goal in seven of his last 11 games.

NHL PrizePicks Projection: 3.5 Shots on Goal / 0.5 Assists

Canada F Sidney Crosby

At 37, Crosby is the oldest player in this tournament, but the future Hall of Famer looked like Sid the Kid in the opener. Against Sweden, he was pacing the opposition, and his precision passing helped him get his three assists. He is coming in with an assist in four straight games and could be vital in helping his teammates find great scoring opportunities.

In the opening game, Crosby was distributing first, with zero shots on goal and three assists.

NHL PrizePicks Projection: 2 Shots on Goal

💰 Use PrizePicks Promo Code "Playbook": Claim free $50 with your first $5+ NHL Lineup

‍

USA F Matthew Tkachuk

The Panthers forward showed off his skills on the national stage against Finland. He has a tremendous ability to be the facilitator and set up a great pass in the neutral zone, resulting in a Brady Tkachuk goal, and he had two power play goals. 

Matthew Tkachuk has been red hot and has had three straight games with three points including NHL games, and at least one point in seven straight games.

In the opening matchup vs. Finland, Matthew Tkachuk had an astounding eight shots on goal, with two goals and one assist, in 17:47 of time on ice.

NHL PrizePicks Projection: 0.5 Points / 2.5 Shots on Goal

USA F Auston Matthews  

The Maple Leafs forward contributed against Finland with an assist. Canadian fans will be in a unique position to root against someone who plays for one of their teams, and he could give them a reason to be upset. 

He had 19:52 time on ice in the first game — more than any other forward — and the USA knows how important it is to have him on the ice to attack the net. He could continue to contribute and pace the offense in a huge game for the USA.

NHL PrizePicks Projection: 3 Shots on Goal

‍

Make Picks, Win Cash on USA vs. Canada on PrizePicks

Team USA gets into action in the 4 Nations Face-Off on Saturday with an important game against Canada. The best way to get real money action on the 4 Nations Face-Off throughout the tournament is on PrizePicks.

Just pick more or less on player projections — like points or assists — and lock in your Lineup to get in on the action. If your picks are correct, you’ll get paid out within minutes after the USA vs. Canada game.

Stay locked in on Playbook throughout the 4 Nations Face-Off and the NHL season for more sharp hockey insights for NHL DFS on PrizePicks.