Canada and the United States showcased a fierce rivalry on the international hockey stage, culminating in a heated match at the 4 Nations Face-Off held on Saturday. The game reached a new level of intensity as Dylan Larkin scored the go-ahead goal in the second period, leading the U.S. to a 3-1 victory over Canada. This matchup was marked by a tumultuous start, featuring three fights within just nine seconds, emphasizing the competitive spirit between the two teams.
Jake Guentzel was instrumental in the American victory, netting two goals, including one into an empty net, while Connor Hellebuyck made 25 saves. Canada’s only goal came from superstar Connor McDavid, who filled the rink with excitement early in the game. However, the Canadians were hampered by the absence of their top defenceman Cale Makar due to illness, a factor that might have influenced the game’s outcome. Jordan Binnington managed to stop 20 shots in a valiant effort, but ultimately could not secure a win for his team.
The loss was particularly significant for Canada as it ended their impressive 17-game winning streak against the Americans in best-on-best matches, dating back to the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. The United States celebrated this victory after having previously beaten Finland 6-1, thereby earning a spot in the championship final scheduled for Thursday in Boston. The U.S. now holds six points over two games, while Canada, Sweden, and Finland remain at two points each in a format that has brought the closest men’s hockey competition since the 2016 World Cup.
The NHL had participated in five consecutive Olympics from 1998 to 2014, but did not participate in 2018 for financial reasons and withdrew from the 2022 Games because of COVID-19 concerns. The 4 Nations Face-Off serves as a precursor to the NHL's return to the Olympics next year, with the competition now positioned at TD Garden for the upcoming games: Canada facing Finland and Sweden playing the United States on Monday before the final.
To qualify for the championship final, Canada needs a regulation win against Finland. The event has been loaded with anticipation and emotional display, as evidenced by the presence of notable figures like Canadian MMA fighter Georges St-Pierre, who introduced the Canadian team. The atmosphere intensified quickly, with players from both sides dropping the gloves mere seconds into the game, delighting the crowd that included Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The Bell Centre crowd had a pronounced reaction, notably booing the U.S. national anthem, which had also occurred during the previous game against Finland. Some remarks from the public address announcer aimed at promoting respect did little to quell the passion of the crowd, as they continued to vocally express their support for Canada throughout the pregame events.
When the game finally commenced, the players displayed a fierce and physical style of play, exemplifying the rivalry. McDavid opened the scoring early on with a brilliant backhand shot after navigating past U.S. defender Charlie McAvoy. The Americans responded when Guentzel tied the game, capitalizing on a quick opportunity. As the match progressed, Larkin’s skill proved pivotal as he took advantage of a rare turnover by Sidney Crosby to put the U.S. ahead.
Despite the best efforts from McDavid and his teammates, including a critical save by Hellebuyck against other star players like Nathan MacKinnon and Brady Tkachuk, Canada's efforts fell short. The final moments saw Canada pulling Binnington for an extra attacker, but Guentzel's empty-net goal sealed the deal, prompting chants of “U-S-A! U-S-A!” from the American fans.
In light of these events, Canada had to adapt to losing key players, as they dressed defenceman Thomas Harley in place of the ill Makar. The spotlight was also on other celebrities at the game, including hockey icons and former Olympic athletes, highlighting the event's importance not just in sports but also its cultural significance within North America.
