Team USA star Charlie McAvoy admitted to hospital for injury

Before taking on Canada in the finals of the 4 Nations Faceoff, several star American players have come out with injury or are clearly playing hurt - seriously diminishing their chances against Canada.

According to new reports from the Boston Globe, the Boston Bruins and Team USA have confirmed McAvoy's admittance to Massachusetts General Hospital for an upper body injury.

While Team USA took the ice against Sweden in tonight's game, McAvoy was admitted to the hospital at the same time. McAvoy last played against Team Canada and looked great, so it's surprising to hear this injury has clearly progressed. He was expected to play against Canada, but that's changed now.

New reports from NHL insider Frank Seravalli revealed that McAvoy is getting treatment for an infection stemming that came from an injury.

Above all, hopefully McAvoy is okay and on the road to recovery. The 27 year old Bruin has become a star two way defenceman, with 300 points in 504 career games.

However, Team USA will be in for an uphill battle if they're missing multiple key players with injuries, or if they're clearly playing hurt. An elite team like Canada could make them pay.

While speaking to the media, USA coach Mike Sullivan only confirmed that McAvoy would miss the next game against Canada, but seemed more optimistic that other players would be available.

Auston Matthews seems likely to play after playing through injury for much of the season, and Brady Tkachuk was held out for caution. Matthew Tkachuk seems to have sustained a significant injury that kept him out of nearly two games - and he may not be available. Coach Sullivan said contingency plans were being made.

Hopefully Team USA is as healthy as possible for the final match against Team Canada in what's been an unexpectedly great 4 Natiosn Faceoff tournament. Canada and USA will play Thursday night for the final.