7:55 p.m. ET
Warmups are over and we are about 20 minutes from puck drop of what promises to be an epic night here in Boston.
Again, defenseman Josh Morrissey is out for Canada – I would make a Smiths jokes here if this wasn’t such a big game — and Thomas Harley is in. In case you missed it last week, Harley was actually born in the U.S. – no Springsteen joke either — but his parents are Canadian, so he plays for Canada.
If Kreider is in for the U.S., well he’s had an up-and-down season for the Rangers, so maybe he gets the chance to be the hero tonight.
Speaking of up and down, elevators have been a running theme through this tournament.
First, our pal Per from Sweden got stuck in an elevator in New York on Monday. He luckily got out and made it here on time for the games.
Today, Hockey Hall of Famer Scott Burnside had to wait almost 15 minutes for an elevator at our hotel. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so upset. He’s a pretty easy going guy and a tremendous writer, but I have learned now to not keep him waiting.
And when we finally got to TD Garden, the elevator that took us to the press room was more of a local than an express.
But we all made it.
It’s been quite a 11 days since we all – well, except Dan Rosen – gathered in Montreal on Super Bowl Sunday to cover this tournament.
We’ve been through snowstorms, ice storms, wind storms, endless hours on the tarmac and countless gallons of Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts.
I don’t think anyone associated with this tournament expected it to become as big as it has become in under two weeks. But here we are for arguably the biggest international hockey game ever next to the “Miracle on Ice” game, which took place 45 years ago this Saturday.
Before we get started, just want to say again how much I appreciate those who read and gave me material for this blog. Also, the whole NHL.com team – the writers on the road and the editors and producers in the office – hope you enjoyed the coverage.
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