Rangers defenseman Adam Fox has gained quick appreciation for U.S. captain Auston Matthews

New York Rangers’ defenseman Adam Fox has quickly become impressed by the leadership of Team USA captain Auston Matthews at the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Matthews has been the NHL’s most prolific goal-scorer since entering the NHL with the Toronto Maple Leafs in the fall of 2016. But Matthews showed during the United States’ 6-1 win against Finland on Thursday in its tournament opener that he’s more than just a guy who puts the puck in the net.

Finland had the United States on its heels after Henri Jokiharju scored the game’s first goal at 7:31 of the opening period. But Team USA answered in a big way with six unanswered goals, including two within the first 30 seconds of the third period to put the game out of reach. 

Though the Tkachuk brothers stole the show, combining for four goals and an assist (Matthew with two goals, Brady with two goals and an assist), Matthews made his presence felt on the ice — and as a leader.

The line of Matthews between Jake Guentzel and Jack Hughes quickly showed flashes of what to expect the rest of this tournament — must-see TV. Midway through the first period, Hughes hit Matthews with a perfect pass that sent him through the Finnish defense — but Matthews’ shot rang off the crossbar.

Matthews and his linemates did get on the board 26 seconds into the third period after he intercepted a pass at the USA blue line to set up a quick 3-on-2. Hughes got the puck back to Matthews, who fed Guentzel. The Tampa Bay Lightning forward ripped a wrist shot past Finnish goalie Juuse Saros, extending the USA lead to 4-1. The goal came 11 seconds after Matthew Tkachuk’s power-play goal had given the U.S. a two-goal lead.

Matthews played a solid two-way game while skating in a hostile environment — Montreal fans let the Toronto star hear it during when he was introduced as Team USA’s captain ahead of the Canada-Sweden game, as well as during the game Thursday.

“I was kind of expecting it, so it’s all good,” Matthews said of his reception. “I take it as a good thing or maybe a sign of respect.”

The boos continued once Matthews hit the ice in Team USA’s first game.

He may be a target for fans, but Matthews has complete respect within the Team USA locker room amongst foes around the league.

“You can tell the familiarity he has with the guys here and just someone who’s so respected,” Fox said. “I think he’s never going to really seem like the rah-rah yell at you, at least early in the practice here. But the way he is on the ice, the way he is in the locker room, the way around the hotel and everything, he just commands that respect.

“I think everyone has it for him and the way he plays and the way he handles himself.”

Matthews effectively leads by example on the ice, something that comes naturally in a tournament like this.

“These are moments, game situations that you dream of playing in,” he said.

Watching another leader at work presents a valuable opportunity for Fox. The Rangers have not appointed a new captain since trading Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks in early December. They’re the only team in the NHL without a captain, but Fox – one of four alternate captains on the team – has stepped into a more prevalent leadership role in New York.

While fans wait to see who will become the 29th captain in the history of the franchise, Fox will have the opportunity to share the ice with three other captains of NHL teams, and many other alternate captains.

Rangers aim to get on the score sheet in 4 Nations doubleheader

Of the six Rangers taking part in the 4 Nations Face-Off, none recorded a point in the first slate of round. Their next opportunity comes on Saturday when all four teams play in a much anticipated afternoon and night of hockey.

First, Urho Vaakanainen’s Finland squad takes on Mika Zibanejad and Sweden. Each team lost its opening game of the tournament, but Sweden picked up a point in its 4-3 overtime loss to Canada on Wednesday. Still, both teams are in dire need of a victory.

Zibanejad had two shots on goal and was robbed of a potential overtime winner in the loss to Canada; he finished minus-1 but was 12-10 on face-offs. Vaakanainen was minus-2 in Finland’s loss to Team USA.

Following the Sweden-Finland game at 1 p.m. ET, Canada and the United States squads take the ice for a heavyweight battle between the tournament’s two favorites at 8 p.m. ET. ABC will televise both games.

“I think I’ve thought about this game for nine years,” Matthew Tkachuk said after Team USA’s win on Thursday.

“It’s going to be the biggest game that I’ve ever played in my career,” Brady Tkachuk added.

Of the three Rangers who suited up for Team USA – forward Chris Kreider was a healthy scratch – none scored a point. Fox and forwards Vincent Trocheck and J.T. Miller combined for two shots and six hits. Trocheck and Miller provided a physical presence and did an excellent job on the penalty kill.