Oshie ahead of Canada clash: 'If it comes to 100% skill, they win. 100% grit, we win'
It's one of those philosophical questions that stands the test of time: What came first, the skill or the grit?
Team USA forward T.J. Oshie doesn't know the answer, but he apparently knows what it takes to defeat Canada.
"If it comes to 100 percent skill, they win. One hundred percent grit, we win," Oshie said ahead of Tuesday night's massive must-win game for the U.S. against Canada, according to Sportsnet's Luke Fox.
If Canada's proven anything since 2010, it's that skill trumps grit, but the U.S. is going to give grit one more go Tuesday.
Oshie also spoke Tuesday about a speech U.S. general manager Dean Lombardi gave before the World Cup.
Team USA GM Dean Lombardi addressed the players before the tournament. TJ Oshie says it's the best speech he's ever heard in his life.
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) September 20, 2016
If it was recorded, perhaps a listen is in order before Tuesday's game.
Brandon Dubinsky and Jack Johnson are out, with Kyle Palmieri and Dustin Byfuglien drawing into the lineup.
"I think our team needs a little spark," Palmieri said, "and hopefully I can go in there and provide that."
Palmieri on #Habs' Pacioretty vs. Price: "He’s my linemate, so he sees him all the time. I’ll be feeding him pucks and letting him rip.”
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) September 20, 2016
It's "everyone's Game 7," Ryan Kesler said. "It's a big game for us ... as a country."
Kesler on edge vs. penalties: "I think you gotta ask the refs that. I think it's different every night. Hopefully they let us play tonight."
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) September 20, 2016
"They're going to be physical," Canadian defenseman Drew Doughty said. "They're going to be blocking shots."
Skill takes on grit Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET in Toronto at Air Canada Centre.