Team Canada's “rat line” might be the real key to Olympic gold

The entire hockey world naturally expects Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Macklin Celebrini to carry the offensive output on the big stage.

But when adversity hit against a suffocating Finnish squad in the semifinal, the bottom six completely took over the ice. Cooper assembled the ultimate checking trio, placing Wilson alongside Brad Marchand and Sam Bennett.

The resulting unit was quickly dubbed the "Rat Line" due to their relentless, agitating style of play.

Over his NHL career, Wilson has racked up more than 1,600 penalty minutes. He makes opponents feel every single shift.

Bennett brings an incredible level of grit and hockey sense, while Marchand combines elite agitation with high-end offensive skill.

Marchand is having another exceptionally productive season. He put up 50 points in 46 games before flying to Milan.

Opposing teams are practically dared to lose their cool. This trio will agitate you physically, then bury the puck on the next shift.

Wilson openly described the chemistry as "controlled chaos" because they share the exact same frustrating identity.

McDavid could not help but laugh when discussing the gritty unit with the media after Saturday's practice session across from Santagiulia Arena.

"They were debating on how many millions of fines that they’ve contributed all together as a line," McDavid told reporters. "Pretty funny line. But provided a massive goal. Ultimately, I think it was them that shifted the game. Truthfully."

Looking ahead to Sunday, Team USA presents a terrifying challenge. They boast an incredibly deep roster loaded with their own elite agitators.

Brady and Matthew Tkachuk are fully capable of matching any physical nastiness the Canadians try to establish on the forecheck. Vincent Trocheck also thrives in these high-stakes moments.

Because of strict international rules, fighting is completely off the table. This forces both sides to maintain solid execution and focus heavily on crisp passing instead of pure intimidation.

But the sheer physicality will remain at a fever pitch. The Americans must find a way to navigate this incredibly frustrating Canadian trap.