BOSTON — Chris Kreider played his way into Team USA’s championship lineup.
The longest-tenured Ranger suited up and skated in the United States’ matchup with Canada for the 4 Nations Face-Off trophy Thursday night at TD Garden.
USA head coach Mike Sullivan had high praise for Kreider after he made his tournament debut against Sweden.
It was evident the 33-year-old had made an impression.
“Sure it does,” Sullivan said when asked if Kreider fits the style his team wants to play. “He’s a big, strong kid that can play a physical game, I would anticipate that it will be a physical game. Both teams play a similar style, both north-south teams that play with a ton of speed and a ton of physicality.
“I think Kreids, his game, without a doubt suits that.”
Kreider skated on the fourth line with New York teammate Vincent Trocheck and the Islanders’ Brock Nelson.
