Team Canada Scratch Two Players From Their Line Up Ahead Of 4 Nations Face-Off

The long-awaited 4 Nations Face-Off is finally starting tonight after months of waiting and hype. For the first time since 2016, when NHLers took part in the World Cup of Hockey, fans will get to see some best-on-best action.

Sweden and Canada will be the first to compete in the tournament tonight, showcasing superstars such as Victor Hedman, Elias Pettersson, Linus Ullmark, William Nylander, Erik Karlsson, Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, Mitch Marner, Brayden Point, Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and many others.

Team Canada held a morning skate earlier today, and three players remained on the ice longer, indicating that they wouldn't take part in the game in addition to the team's third goalie, Samuel Montembeault: Florida Panthers' Sam Bennett and Philadelphia Flyers' Travis Sanheim:

With Drew Doughty getting a call to replace Alex Pietrangelo on Team Canada's blue line, Sanheim was the obvious candidate to skip his turn in the first matchup.

In his career, the 28-year-old defenseman has scored 210 points in 554 games, and his team, the Flyers, struggled this season.

As for Bennett, he should be replaced by Travis Konecny, who missed the team's first practice due to an illness. This season, Bennett scored 35 points in 55 games, while Konecny has 61.

This could change in the next few games. Only two teams will play four games in this tournament, and the others, three. Coaches won't hesitate to move their lineup around if things don't work quickly.