Apparently there can only be one Flyer named Travis in Team Canada’s lineup.
When Canada takes on United States in what is expected to be the best game of the Four Nations tournament, they will do so without Travis Konecny.
Put into an unfamiliar situation, Konecny played on Canada’s fourth line in their overtime win against Sweden. He skated alongside Tampa’s Brandon Hagel and Anthony Cirelli.
Konecny only had 10:20 of ice time, the lowest total amongst all of Canada’s forwards. While he didn’t play poorly, Konecny was one the ice for two Sweden goals in the third period.
It’s a much different situation for a player like Konecny who is typically relied on heavily as a star on the Flyers. He’s used in all situations and averages around 20 minutes of ice time. But in a tournament with other star-studded talent, there are a handful of players higher up the ladder than Konecny.
Hence why it’s not a surprise to see Konecny will not be in the lineup for Canada when they take on the United States. Konecny skated on a defensive pair with Devon Toews, stepping in for the sick Cale Makar.
Sam Bennett, scratched in the opening game, was spotted on a line with Brad Marchand and Seth Jarvis. Head coach Jon Cooper moved Brayden Point onto Hagel and Cirelli’s line, giving himself a very familiar trio.
It’s hard to fathom Cooper believing that Bennett provides more value offensively than Konecny. Not that the latter posted any points in the first game. It’s possible Canada wants to matchup Bennett against Matthew Tkachuk, a player he is very familiar with. Tkachuk had two goals and was very physical in the 6-1 rout of Finland on Friday night.
Konecny is known to get involved in his own mischief. But he won’t be doing so on Saturday night.
Travis Sanheim to make 4 Nations debut
After sitting out the first game as a healthy scratch, Travis Sanheim will make his tournament debut on Saturday not. Though, Cooper didn’t really have a choice in inserting Sanheim.
Shea Theodore was injured in the opening game and ruled out for the rest of the tournament. Sanheim was the only defenseman left on Canada’s roster as rules dictate teams cannot bring in any more players if they have the normal amount of skaters available. Sanheim skated on a pair with Drew Doughty during practice on Friday.
As it was for Konecny, it will be a different role for Sanheim. He averages over 24 minutes of ice time per game and has skated just over 1,400 minutes total. But on the third pairing, his role is expected to be more limited.
Still, being in the lineup at all is an accomplishment for Sanheim. He has become one of the Flyers’ top defensemen after nearly being traded. Being able to be amongst the best on an international stage is proof of how far he’s come.
Canada takes on the United States at 8:00 p.m. in the final game in Montreal. The teams will head to Boston afterward.