A thrilling 4 Nations Face-Off clash between Team USA and Team Canada erupted with three fights in the first nine seconds, setting the stage for an electrifying game. Ultimately, the United States secured a 3-1 victory, silencing the predominantly Canadian crowd at Montreal’s Bell Centre on Saturday night.
This win grants Team USA six points and guarantees a spot in Thursday’s championship game. Meanwhile, the remaining teams with two points will battle it out on Monday to determine America’s final opponent.
Contents
- 1 Team Grades and Performance Breakdown
- 2 United States: A
- 3 Canada: B-
- 4 Key Lessons from the Game
- 5 Hellebuyck Silences Critics with a Standout Performance
- 6 Canada Struggles Without Makar
- 7 A Chaotic and Historic Start
- 8 Key Players to Watch
- 9 Jake Guentzel (F, United States)
- 10 Sam Reinhart (F, Canada)
- 11 Looking Ahead: Big Questions for the Next Game
- 12 How Will Team USA Approach a Potentially Meaningless Game?
- 13 Can Canada Create More Offensive Space Against Finland?
Team Grades and Performance Breakdown
United States: A
Team USA’s dominant win over Finland on Thursday set the tone for their performance against Canada. The victory showcased the roster’s depth, with Auston Matthews and Jack Eichel leading two potent scoring lines. It also highlighted how star NHL players effectively embraced new roles, as seen with Dylan Larkin, who delivered a pivotal goal against Canada.
The USA displayed composure, discipline, and a strategic approach, all reinforced by a stellar performance from goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. Despite facing an intense, hostile atmosphere, the team executed a near-flawless game plan, demonstrating resilience and control.
While Canada could argue that Cale Makar’s absence due to illness impacted their play, the Americans were also without Quinn Hughes for the tournament. Nevertheless, Team USA will relish this victory, breaking Canada’s 17-game “best-on-best” tournament winning streak and securing a shot at the title in Boston.
Canada: B-
Canada’s performance was solid but marred by costly mistakes. The turning point came in the second period when Matt Boldy intercepted a Sidney Crosby pass, leading to an odd-man rush and Larkin’s decisive goal. Such errors proved detrimental, especially against an elite goaltender like Hellebuyck.
Despite generating high-danger scoring opportunities late in the game, Canada couldn’t capitalize, reinforcing the importance of precision against top-tier opponents. Makar’s absence was felt deeply, particularly on special teams, as the power play went 0-for-2. If Canada hopes to secure a rematch against the U.S., they must refine their execution against Finland on Monday.
Key Lessons from the Game
Hellebuyck Silences Critics with a Standout Performance
Widely regarded as one of the best goaltenders in the NHL, Connor Hellebuyck has faced scepticism over his postseason struggles. However, his performance against Canada—allowing just one goal on 21 shots—solidified his status as a premier goaltender on the international stage.
Although Connor McDavid scored on the rush, Hellebuyck remained a brick wall for the remainder of the game, delivering crucial saves in the third period. His strong showing boosts his confidence and strengthens his case as Team USA’s starter for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Canada Struggles Without Makar
Replacing an elite defenseman like Cale Makar is no easy feat. Canada turned to Josh Morrissey for power-play duties, but the unit failed to convert. Thomas Harley stepped up in Makar’s absence, logging 18:47 of ice time and recording two shots, but Canada’s blue line lacked the dynamic impact Makar typically provides.
With an essential matchup against Finland looming, Canada must find a way to compensate for Makar’s absence or hope for his return to regain defensive stability.
A Chaotic and Historic Start
The game’s explosive start—three fights within the first nine seconds—underscored the deep-rooted rivalry between the U.S. and Canada. Matthew Tkachuk wasted no time engaging with Brandon Hagel, fueling speculation that personal NHL rivalries carried over into international play. Meanwhile, his brother Brady Tkachuk suggested it was a tribute to their father, Keith, who previously set a record for the fastest fight in an international game.
Regardless of the motivation, the early-game brawls captivated fans and elevated the intensity of the matchup, turning it into a must-watch spectacle beyond the hockey world.
Key Players to Watch
Jake Guentzel (F, United States)
Guentzel has been a standout performer for Team USA, delivering a goal and an assist against Finland before notching two goals—an empty-netter—against Canada. Known for his clutch performances in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Lightning winger is emerging as a front-runner for tournament MVP.
Sam Reinhart (F, Canada)
Canada’s offensive depth made them early favourites, but Reinhart’s recent performances have raised concerns. Despite ranking among the NHL’s top goal scorers since 2022-23, he failed to record a single shot on goal against the U.S. and went scoreless against Sweden. If Canada wants to advance, Reinhart must rediscover his scoring touch.
Looking Ahead: Big Questions for the Next Game
How Will Team USA Approach a Potentially Meaningless Game?
With a secured spot in the championship, Team USA may rest key players against Sweden. Will head coach John Hynes start a different goaltender to give Hellebuyck a break? Could Matthew Tkachuk sit out to recover from any lingering issues? Regardless, these are favourable dilemmas for a team leading the tournament standings.
Can Canada Create More Offensive Space Against Finland?
The U.S. stifled Canada’s offensive attack with a structured defensive approach, limiting high-quality scoring chances. Fresh off a gritty win against Sweden, Finland may adopt a similar strategy to frustrate Canada’s star forwards.
With a championship game berth on the line, Canada must adjust and find ways to generate cleaner scoring opportunities. If they fail, they risk an early exit from the tournament.
The latest chapter in the storied USA-Canada hockey rivalry delivered everything fans could hope for—intensity, skill, and drama. Team USA’s disciplined execution secured a monumental victory, while Canada must regroup quickly for a critical matchup against Finland.
As the tournament nears its conclusion, one question remains: Will the U.S. and Canada meet again in the championship game, setting the stage for an unforgettable rematch? All eyes will be on Monday’s results to determine the showdown.
