Five pressing questions heading into USA-Canada 4 Nations final showdown

BOSTON — With apologies to Finland and Sweden, this is the rematch the hockey world wanted and it is the rematch the fans deserve.Team USA already beat Canada once in this tournament, but without doing so a second time, that rousing 3-1 win in Montreal will be relegated to historical trivia, same as the American win over Canada in the group stage of the 2010 Olympics.It is championship or bust for both teams in this 4 Nations final.The Post’s Ethan Sears breaks down the biggest questions that will decide USA-Canada II.We know that Charlie McAvoy, who played 19:27 and was one of Team USA’s best players in victory over Canada in Montreal, will not be in on Thursday.We think — barring a last-minute change — that the Americans will have to play Jake Sanderson in his place as opposed to Quinn Hughes, who isn’t allowed to join Team USA unless there is another injury.That’s a blow.And, although the Tkachuk brothers, Vincent Trocheck and Auston Matthews all look likely to play, it’s not clear how hurt they are or how effective they’ll be.

Brady Tkachuk didn’t practice Wednesday; the others in that group did.To state the obvious, both Tkachuks have been heart-and-soul players for Team USA in this tournament, bringing identity and a physical edge to the group.It’s a real game-changer if they’re not at full effectiveness.

Ditto for Matthews, one of Team USA’s best goal scorers (albeit one who hasn’t impacted things a ton) and Trocheck, who has quietly been great in a bottom-six role.This was a huge difference in the initial matchup.Connor Hellebuyck has been — by leaps and bounds — the best goaltender in this tournament, but never more than against Canada.He was excellent in his movements, never lost control of the net and looked completely unflappable during the third period, when Team USA was holding onto a 2-1 lead and barely possessed the puck.As for Jordan Binnington, some of the criticism directed toward the Blues netminder has been ove...