Canada Beats US to Win 4 Nations Face-Off

THE NEWS

Canada triumphed over the United States 3-2 in a thrilling overtime showdown on February 20, 2025, to win the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off Championship, the NHL’s midseason international tournament.

Connor McDavid scored the game-winning goal 8:18 into overtime, echoing Sidney Crosby’s iconic “Golden Goal” from the 2010 Olympics, as Canada secured its first major international title in 15 years.

The victory capped off a fiercely contested tournament marked by geopolitical tensions and record-breaking fan engagement, setting the stage for NHL players’ return to the Winter Olympics in 2026.

TIMELINE

February 15, 2025: USA Defeats Canada in Round Robin

• Team USA secured a 3-1 preliminary win over Canada in Montreal, highlighted by three fights in the opening seconds.

February 20, 2025: Championship Game at TD Garden

• 1st Period:

• 4:48: Nathan MacKinnon (Canada) opened the scoring with a wrist shot past Connor Hellebuyck.

• 16:52: Brady Tkachuk (USA) tied the game 1-1, capitalizing on a rebound from Auston Matthews’ wraparound attempt.

• 2nd Period:

• 7:32: Jake Sanderson (USA) gave the U.S. a 2-1 lead after redirecting Matthews’ deflected pass.

• 13:49: Sam Bennett (Canada) tied it 2-2, finishing a feed from Mitch Marner.

• 3rd Period:

• No scoring despite high-intensity chances, forcing overtime.

• Overtime:

• 8:18: McDavid buried a centering pass to clinch the title, igniting celebrations among Canadian players and fans.

Key Performances

• Connor McDavid (Canada): Scored the championship-winning goal, cementing his legacy in international hockey.

• Jordan Binnington (Canada): Made 31 saves, including critical stops in overtime.

• Nathan MacKinnon (Canada): Named tournament MVP after leading Canada with clutch goals and playmaking.

• Auston Matthews (USA): Recorded two assists but was held without a goal in the final.

REACTIONS

Connor McDavid:“This is why you play the game. To wear this jersey and deliver for your country—it’s unforgettable.”

Brady Tkachuk (USA): “I’ve never experienced anything like that atmosphere. We left it all out there, but Canada deserved it tonight.”

Jon Cooper (Canada’s Coach): “The chemistry this group built in two weeks was special. They wrote their own story.”

Donald Trump (U.S. President): Pre-game Truth Social post: “Team USA will make us proud! Maybe Canada can be our 51st state after this!”

Justin Trudeau (Candian PM): "You can’t take our country — and you can’t take our game."

WHAT’S NEXT

2026 Winter Olympics: The 4 Nations Face-Off served as a precursor to the Olympics, where NHL stars will compete for gold in Milan-Cortina.

NHL Season Resumes: Players return to their clubs, with the playoff race heating up.