USA-Canada 4 Nations Championship Preview: No. 15 Missouri Stuns No. 4 Alabama

USA and Canada are set for an epic hockey showdown tonight that’s got both countries buzzing. These rivals already threw down three times in the first nine seconds when they met last weekend – and that was just the warm-up.

The Americans grabbed a 3-1 win in that first matchup, but tonight’s championship game in the 4 Nations Face-Off promises to be even more intense.

Team USA will have to manage without Charlie McAvoy, who’s out with a shoulder injury. But they’ve still got their secret weapon: Auston Matthews, who’s been absolutely on fire this season with 89 goals – more than anyone else in hockey.

“This might be the most important game I’ve ever played,” said USA’s Matthew Tkachuk. His teammate Jack Eichel agreed, even though both have Stanley Cup rings.

It’s more than just another hockey game. For Team USA, it’s a chance to show just how far American hockey has come. The country’s been churning out incredible talent lately, and many of these players are getting their first shot to prove it on the big stage.

Even if you’re not usually a hockey fan, this is the perfect game to watch. These are two powerhouse teams with a fierce rivalry and something to prove.

The puck drops at 8 p.m. on ESPN.

In other sports news:

Missouri’s basketball team just pulled off something special, taking down No. 4 Alabama 110-98. It’s their third win over a top-five team this season – a feat that ties their program record.

Mark Mitchell led the charge with 31 points, while Caleb Grill added 25 points and 10 rebounds. Pretty impressive for a team that went winless in conference play last season.

Over in soccer, Kylian Mbappe put on a show with three goals as Real Madrid knocked out Manchester City 3-1 in the Champions League. City, playing without star striker Erling Haaland, looked completely lost after giving up the first goal.

The Big Ten and SEC are pushing for major changes to college football’s playoff system. They want more guaranteed spots for their teams – four each in a 14-team format. It’s a power play that’s raising eyebrows across the sport.

Tonight’s must-watch games:
– Celtics vs. 76ers (7 p.m., TNT)
– Canada vs. USA Hockey (8 p.m., ESPN)
– USWNT vs. Colombia (8 p.m., TBS)
– Suns vs. Spurs (9:30 p.m., TNT)