As the puck prepares to drop for the first round robin game of the 4 Nations Face Off, featuring Canada vs. Sweden on February 12 at 8 p.m. ET, the Bell Centre is bustling with activity as players step up for Media Day. Sidney Crosby CAN), Auston Matthews USA), Victor Hedman SWE), and Aleksander Barkov FIN) are all captains of their respective countries, bringing a wealth of NHL and international experience to the table. These four superstars, who also lead their NHL teams, aim to guide their nations to victory, with Canada and the USA focused on adding another championship to their records. Canadas last win came in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, while the USAs last triumph was in 1996. Meanwhile, Sweden and Finland are both chasing their first international tournament victory.

Captains Lead Their Teams Into Media Day

On this busy Tuesday, all four countries will participate in practice sessions, followed by Media Day. The captains will guide their teams on the ice, and then address the media at these times:

Auston Matthews USA) - Practice at 10 a.m. ET, Media at 10:45 a.m. ET
Victor Hedman Sweden) - Practice at 11:30 a.m. ET, Media at 12:15 p.m. ET
Sidney Crosby Canada) - Practice at 1 p.m. ET, Media at 1:45 p.m. ET
Aleksander Barkov Finland) - Practice at 2:30 p.m. ET, Media at 3:15 p.m. ET
Each of these captains brings a decorated resume to the tournament. Crosby, who will lead Canada for the fourth time, boasts multiple Olympic gold medals and World Championship titles, including a 2016 World Cup victory. Hedman, Swedens captain, brings a wealth of experience, including a Conn Smythe Trophy and leadership from his defense position. Matthews Connor McDavid 4NF Jersey, a three-time Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy winner, and Barkov, Finland's first-ever captain of a Stanley Cup-winning team, are both representing their nations on the international stage for the first time as captains.

Canada and USA Battle for a Sixth Championship

Canada enters the 4 Nations Face Off as a dominant force, with Nathan MacKinnon, Connor McDavid, and Mitch Marner all among the top scorers in the NHL this season. The trios combined experience in international competition gives Canada an edge as they aim for their seventh title at an NHL International Tournament. The Canadians come into the event with a 12-game win streak in these tournaments, including six straight victories against Sweden, a streak dating back to 1984.

Finland, meanwhile, has returned the most players from the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, looking to build on their recent international success. Aleksander Barkov, Finlands captain, has had a stellar year, winning his second Frank J. Selke Trophy, and hell now aim to add an international title to his impressive resume.

Sweden Brings Experience, USA Brings Youth

Sweden has the highest representation from NHL clubs in this tournament, with 19 teams represented across their roster. Captain Hedman leads Swedens seasoned defense, and the country aims to return to the final for the first time since the early 1980s. Sweden has a strong international pedigree, with the most international medals among all the teams in the 4 Nations Face Off.

The USA, with the youngest roster of the tournament, has brought in a fresh generation of stars, including Jack Eichel, Dylan Larkin, and Vincent Trocheck. Despite having no returnees from the 2016 World Cup of Hockey https://www.iihfworldchampionship.com/collections/team-canada-colton-parayko-jersey, the USA is a dangerous team, led by the veteran presence of goaltender Connor Hellebuyck and captain Auston Matthews. Theyll look to add another international title to their trophy case, following their 1996 World Cup of Hockey win, which marked their only championship in NHL International Tournaments.

4 Nations Face Off Stats and Referee Crew

The NHL has appointed a highly experienced officiating crew for the 4 Nations Face Off: referees Wes McCauley, Chris Rooney, Gord Dwyer, and Jean Hebert, with Kiel Murchison, Jonny Murray, Ryan Daisy, and Scott Cherrey as linespersons.

Hockey Day in Finland Celebrations

In addition to the 4 Nations Face Off, the NHL is also preparing for the third annual Hockey Day in Finland, scheduled for February 28 and March 1. The event, to be held at the Raksila Sports Park in Oulu, will feature the NHL Global Fan Tour, a matchup of Finnish ice hockey legends, and a public viewing party of Viaplays NHL Saturday game. This event aims to bring Finnish communities together in celebration of the sport of hockey.

As the 4 Nations Face Off kicks off, all eyes will be on these iconic players and teams, each with something to prove on the world stage.

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