The championship game between Team USA and Team Canada was set to be an exhilarating showdown, bringing together some of the best hockey talent from both nations. This game is the pinnacle of the competition, where the stakes were high, and the anticipation was palpable. Fans, players, and coaches alike were gearing up for what promised to be a thrilling finale.
Tournament Standings:
- USA: 2-0-0-1, 6 points
- Canada: 1-1-0-1, 5 points
- Sweden: 1-0-2-0, 5 points
- Finland: 0-1-0-2, 2 points
Team USA: Coming off a dominant 6-1 victory over Finland, the USA team, led by the Tkachuk brothers, showcased incredible skill and determination. Their explosive offense will likely be a key factor in today’s game. USA went 2-0-0-1 in the round robin, dropping the final game 2-1 to Sweden. Chris Kreider scored the lone goal in his first game of the tournament, and Jake Oettinger made his first start, stopping 21 of 23 shots.
Team Canada: Canada secured a 4-3 overtime win against Sweden, with key players like Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon leading the charge. Despite the absence of Cale Makar due to illness, Canada’s defense remains strong with Thomas Harley stepping in. Canada finished the round robin 1-1-0-1, winning the final game 5-3 over Finland to clinch their spot in the Championship game. Goals came from Brayden Point, Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, and two from Nathan MacKinnon. Jordan Binnington started all three games, stopping 23 of 26 shots in the final game.
Here was the Game Preview for tonight’s Final:
Previous Matchup (02/15/2025)
Key plays included:
In their last encounter on February 15, 2025, Team USA faced off against Team Canada that was intense from the start, featuring early fights and thrilling plays. Ultimately, Team USA emerged victorious defeating Team Canada 3-1.
- First Period: Early fights set the tone, with Connor McDavid scoring for Canada and Jake Guentzel equalizing for the USA.
- Second Period: Dylan Larkin gave the USA the lead with a stunning shot.
- Third Period: Intense back-and-forth action, with Jake Guentzel sealing the win with an empty-net goal.
Final Score: USA 3, Canada 1.
Here is the full Previous Matchups‘ Recap:
Team Lineups
Team USA (Home)
Goaltender:
- Connor Hellebuyck – Winnipeg Jets
Line 1:
- Brock Faber – Minnesota Wild
- Jaccob Slavin – Carolina Hurricanes
- Jack Hughes – New Jersey Devils
- Auston Matthews – Toronto Maple Leafs
- Jake Guentzel – Tampa Bay Lightning
Line 2:
- Jake Sanderson – Ottawa Senators
- Zach Werenski – Columbus Blue Jackets
- Matthew Tkachuk – Florida Panthers
- Jack Eichel – Vegas Golden Knights
- Brady Tkachuk – Ottawa Senators
Line 3:
- Adam Fox – New York Rangers
- Noah Hanifin – Vegas Golden Knights
- Matt Boldy – Minnesota Wild
- Dylan Larkin – Detroit Red Wings
- J.T. Miller – New York Rangers
Line 4:
- Brock Nelson – New York Islanders
- Vincent Trocheck – New York Rangers
- Chris Kreider – New York Rangers
Team Canada (Away)
Goaltender:
- Jordan Binnington – St. Louis Blues
Line 1:
- Cale Makar – Colorado Avalanche
- Devon Toews – Colorado Avalanche
- Mark Stone – Vegas Golden Knights
- Connor McDavid – Edmonton Oilers
- Brayden Point – Tampa Bay Lightning
Line 2:
- Colton Parayko – St. Louis Blues
- Josh Morrissey – Winnipeg Jets
- Thomas Harley – Dallas Stars
- Sam Reinhart – Florida Panthers
- Nathan MacKinnon – Colorado Avalanche
- Sidney Crosby – Pittsburgh Penguins
Line 3:
- Seth Jarvis – Carolina Hurricanes
- Sam Bennett – Florida Panthers
- Brad Marchand – Boston Bruins
Line 4:
- Brandon Hagel – Tampa Bay Lightning
- Anthony Cirelli – Tampa Bay Lightning
- Mitch Marner – Toronto Maple Leafs
Updates: Several Canadian players were affected by illness. Notably, defenseman Cale Makar was reported ill and missed practice in one of the games, forcing adjustments on Canada’s blue line. In addition, Team Canada also had to contend with the illness of defenseman Josh Morrissey—he was ruled out of the championship game due to a flu-like illness, with Thomas Harley stepping in as his replacement.
Period 1
Brady Tkachuk (USA) and Devon Toews (CAN) battled in front of the net early on. Jake Guentzel (USA) fired a shot, but it sailed wide. Nathan MacKinnon (CAN) made a cross-ice pass to set up a rush, and later, Matt Boldy (USA) lobbed the puck high in the air, sending it to the other end.
Brady Tkachuk (USA) delivered a big hit. Samuel Samheim (CAN) was in the lineup tonight after an illness to Cale Makar led to his addition. Guentzel (USA) had another chance on net, but his shot was ultimately blocked. He rushed in again, but Jordan Binnington (CAN) made the stop. Moments later, Canada responded with a rush of its own, but the play was shut down.
GOAL – CANADA (1-0): At 4:48, Nathan MacKinnon (CAN) found space in the high slot and fired a shot past Connor Hellebuyck (USA) to put Canada on the board. Thomas Harley (CAN) and Sam Reinhart (CAN) registered assists on the goal.
Shortly after, Anthony Cirelli (CAN) took a shot that was deflected wide of the net. Jaccob Slavin (USA) pinched in to keep the play alive. J.T. Miller (USA) moved the puck to Brock Faber (USA), who fired a wrist shot, but it went wide.
Sam Bennett (CAN) set up Cale Makar (CAN), but his shot missed the net. Seth Jarvis (CAN) nearly extended Canada’s lead, but Connor Hellebuyck (USA) made some key moves to shut down the offensive push.
Devon Toews (CAN) attempted a wraparound to the top of the crease, but his attempt was deflected away. Mitch Marner (CAN) connected with Samheim (CAN), who fired a wrist shot that missed the target. At the other end, Dylan Larkin (USA) had a chance on Binnington (CAN), but he couldn’t convert.
Brad Marchand (CAN) fired a shot on net, and the loose puck caused chaos in front of Hellebuyck (USA), but he eventually managed to cover it up for the stop. Shortly after, Sam Reinhart (CAN) gained control of the puck, but Team USA quickly cleared it out of the zone. Slavin (USA) had another rush on net, but Binnington (CAN) made the stop. Matt Boldy (USA) found himself in the slot with an opportunity but tried to pass and was unable to connect.
GOAL – USA (1-1): At 16:52, Brady Tkachuk (USA) fired a shot that found the back of the net, tying the game for Team USA. Auston Matthews (USA) picked up the lone assist on the goal.
Sam Reinhart (CAN) fired a shot on net, and the rebound missed wide of the USA goal. Later, big hit by Tkachuk (USA) on Thomas Harley (CAN) up along the corner wall got the fans riled up.
After a tightly contested first period, the score is tied 1-1. It was an even first period, with both teams registering 10 shots on goal and matching each other with a 10% shooting percentage. Canada led in blocked shots (7-5) and hits (13-5), bringing physicality to the game. USA had the edge in faceoffs (10-9) and giveaways were close, with Canada committing eight to USA’s six. Both goalies stood tall, making 9 saves each for a 90% save percentage. The game remains tightly contested heading into the second period.
First Period Statistical Summary
- Shots on Goal: USA 10 – Canada 11
- Shots off Goal: USA 4 – Canada 6
- Shooting PCT: USA 10% (1/10) – Canada 9.09% (1/11)
- Blocked Shots: USA 7 – Canada 6
- Goalkeeper Saves: USA 10 – Canada 9
- Saves PCT: USA 90.91% (10/11) – Canada 90% (9/10)
- Powerplay PCT: USA 0% (0/0) – Canada 100% (0/0)
- Pen. Killing PCT: USA 100% (0/0) – Canada 100% (0/0)
- Hits: USA 15 – Canada 7
- Faceoffs Won: USA 8 – Canada 11
- Faceoffs %: USA 42.11 – Canada 57.89
- Giveaways: USA 8 – Canada 7
- Takeaways: USA 2 – Canada 1
Period 2
Canada won the faceoff and maintained possession in the offensive zone, but USA eventually cleared the puck. Canada regained control, and Brayden Point (CAN) fired a shot, but it was deflected away.
Connor McDavid (CAN) pressured Jaccob Slavin (USA), forcing him out of position. Later, Jordan Binnington (CAN) made the stop on a shot from Brady Tkachuk (USA).
J.T. Miller (USA) passed to Dylan Larkin (USA), but Nathan MacKinnon (CAN) cleared the puck. Jack Hughes (USA) had a chance, but his shot was deflected out of play by Connor McDavid (CAN) as Team USA built some momentum. After the ensuing faceoff, a small scrum broke out at the play’s end, but the officials quickly stepped in to break it up. Tensions continued to rise as Jake Guentzel (USA) and Thomas Harley (CAN) got into a scuffle following the next play, signaling the growing intensity between the two teams.
Matt Boldy (USA) couldn’t snag the pass, leading to an icing call.
GOAL – USA (2-1): At 07:32, Jake Sanderson (USA) capitalized on a rebound off a shot from Zach Werenski, sneaking the puck past Jordan Binnington (CAN) to give Team USA the lead. Auston Matthews (USA) recorded the assist on the goal. It was Sanderson’s first goal in the tournament. He was added to Team USA’s roster, replacing Quinn Hughes, who was unable to participate due to injury.
Sanderson, a dual citizen, spent his U16 season in Alberta before returning to the U.S. to join the NTDP. Since then, he has consistently represented USA Hockey on the international stage.
Shortly after, Vincent Trocheck (USA) was called for tripping at 08:57, sending Team Canada to the power play after he took down Sam Bennett (CAN).
Canada gets some shots on net, but they are turned aside. Sam Reinhart (CAN) finds space, but he loses the puck on a takeaway by Dylan Larkin (USA), who rushes in but is stopped by Jordan Binnington (CAN). Larkin gets another opportunity, but his shot sails high and wide, going out of play. Team USA successfully kills off the penalty, preventing Canada from capitalizing on the power play.
Brad Marchand (CAN) drives to the net, but his shot sends the puck up into the netting. After the whistle, tensions flare once again as Marchand and Brady Tkachuk (USA) get into a scrum, continuing the physical battle between the two teams.
Sidney Crosby (CAN) was poised to get a shot off with the net nearly empty, but Jaccob Slavin (USA) made a crucial stop, keeping Canada from capitalizing on the opportunity. Later, Jack Eichel (USA) receives a pass and fires a shot on net, but the goaltender stands tall and keeps it out.
GOAL – CAN (2-2): At 12:43, Sam Bennett (CAN) fires a left-side shot on net that beats Connor Hellebuyck (USA) up and over the back, tying the game for Team Canada. Mitch Marner (CAN) picks up the assist on Bennett’s first goal of the tournament.
With five minutes remaining in the period, USA moves the puck up along the wall, but Canada intercepts. Connor McDavid (CAN) carries it in but ends up offside, leading to a stoppage in play. After the faceoff, USA gains possession and drives the puck down the ice, but Canada regains control behind the USA net and sends it back the other way. USA responds with a rush of their own, but Jordan Binnington (CAN) makes the glove stop after nearly misplaying the puck. Canada then capitalizes on a 3-on-2 chance, but Adam Fox (USA) steps up with a crucial block to deny the opportunity.
In the neutral zone, shoving along the boards ensued as Team USA attempted to draw the play, but a hand pass ended the action. Ultimately, after all the intense exchanges on both sides, the period ended tied at two goals each.
Canada appeared more aggressive in generating offensive opportunities, as seen in their higher shots on goal and decent shooting percentage. However, the USA compensated in other areas—dominating faceoffs and playing a more physical game with more hits and efficient ball recovery (fewer giveaways and more takeaways). Both teams, however, showcased strong goaltending and defensive efforts.
Second Period Statistical Summary
- Shots on Goal: USA 9 – Canada 8
- Shots off Goal: USA 0 – Canada 5
- Shooting PCT: USA 11.11% (1/9) – Canada 12.5% (1/8)
- Blocked Shots: USA 3 – Canada 9
- Goalkeeper Saves: USA 7 – Canada 8
- Saves PCT: USA 87.5% (7/8) – Canada 88.89% (8/9)
- Penalties: USA 1 – Canada 0
- PIM: USA 2 – Canada 0
- Powerplay Goals: USA 0 – Canada 0
- Shorthanded Goals: USA 0 – Canada 0
- Powerplay PCT: USA 0% (0/1) – Canada 100% (1/1)
- Pen. Killing PCT: USA 100% (0/0) – Canada 100% (0/0)
- Hits: USA 8 – Canada 8
- Faceoffs Won: USA 12 – Canada 12
- Faceoffs %: USA 50 – Canada 50
- Giveaways: USA 7 – Canada 3
- Takeaways: USA 4 – Canada 0
Period 3
Noah Hanifin (USA) ignited the play by driving up along the wall and feeding J.T. Miller (USA). Shortly afterward, Hanifin engaged with Brandon Hagel (CAN) in a gritty contest, and a centering pass went uncapitalized, which ignited fan fervor. Then, Jake Guentzel (USA) attempted to maneuver over Jordan Binnington (CAN), resulting in a dangerous rebound that increased pressure on Canada. Later, J.T. Miller (USA) took a hit from Sidney Crosby (CAN), shifting momentum in Canada’s favor.
Following the initial burst, Brad Marchand (CAN) and Sam Bennett (CAN) launched a rush toward the net, but their attack was stifled by a stunning defensive play from Jaccob Slavin (USA). A pass through neutral on the Canadian side was lost off the stick, and USA quickly regained possession. Mitch Marner (CAN) tried to feed the puck, but he was unable to complete the play, and although Connor McDavid (CAN) nearly gained control, a fierce stick battle ensued with Jake Sanderson (USA) emerging victorious.
As the period continued with seven minutes remaining, J.T. Miller (USA) advanced the play, and Brad Marchand (CAN) briefly gained control, only to be stopped by Vincent Trocheck (USA). USA then recovered the puck through neutral and pushed it on net, with Zach Werenski (USA) firing a shot from the blue line; however, Canada’s netminder made the save. A subsequent pass worked its way behind the net, but Connor McDavid (CAN) lost control. Finally, Jack Hughes (USA) attempted to feed Jack Eichel (USA), who was unable to get into the zone, keeping the period tightly contested.
With two minutes remaining, Brandon Hagel (CAN) battled along the boards at the blue line for possession. Nathan MacKinnon (CAN) attempted a long shot on net, only to have it stopped by Connor Hellebuyck (USA).
Faber (USA) passed to Slavin (USA). Matt Boldy (USA) picked up the puck and attempted a backhand, but found no open target. Mitch Marner (USA) then centered the puck, only to have his pass blocked just as he neared the crease. With USA now scrambling to clear the danger, Canada got hot on the puck. Cale Makar (CAN) fired on net, but it was gloved by Connor Hellebuyck (USA), as Canada surged forward. We ended the period tied at two aside, forcing overtime.
Team USA mounted more offensive pressure with 8 shots on goal and 9 shots off goal, while Team Canada recorded 4 and 6 respectively—resulting in a 0% shooting percentage for both sides. Defensively, Team Canada stepped up by blocking more shots (6 compared to USA’s 4) and landing a higher number of hits (9 versus 4). Both goaltenders were flawless with a 100% save rate. In the faceoff circle, Team USA dominated with a 57.14% win rate over Team Canada’s 42.86%. Turnovers were a mixed bag, with USA recording one takeaway but also more giveaways (4 versus 7). With no penalties, powerplay, or shorthanded goals, these numbers set the stage for the detailed statistical breakdown below.
Third Period Statistical Summary
- Shots on Goal: USA 8 – CAN 4
- Shots off Goal: USA 9 – CAN 6
- Shooting PCT: USA 0% (0/8) – CAN 0% (0/4)
- Blocked Shots: USA 4 – CAN 6
- Goalkeeper Saves: USA 4 – CAN 8
- Saves PCT: USA 100% (4/4) – CAN 100% (8/8)
- Hits: USA 4 – CAN 9
- Faceoffs Won: USA 8 – CAN 6
- Faceoffs %: USA 57.14 – CAN 42.86
- Giveaways: USA 4 – CAN 7
- Takeaways: USA 1 – CAN 0
Overtime
Overtime began under Stanley Cup rules with both teams locked in a tight, sudden-death battle. The action started when Brandon Hagel (CAN) took a shot on goal, but the rebound was deflected away. Shortly thereafter, Matt Boldy (USA) passed to Brock Nelson (USA), who found space in the slot, yet his attempt was thwarted by a determined defensive effort. Mark Stone (CAN) then fired a shot on net, only for Connor Hellebuyck (USA) to make a spectacular save. At one point, Canada nearly had too many players on the ice—a situation that could have given Team USA a power-play opportunity.
The pressure mounted as Connor McDavid (CAN) surged in, only to have his initial shot blocked and his follow-up attempt stymied by a tight defense. Brad Marchand (CAN) slid in for another try but was equally contained. Meanwhile, Jordan Binnington (CAN) delivered three consecutive key saves as Team USA pressed at the net, including a sharp denial of a shot from the right circle by Auston Matthews (USA). Sidney Crosby (CAN) also found an opportunity, firing a shot that was expertly stopped by Connor Hellebuyck (USA). Devon Toews (CAN) attempted to navigate through heavy traffic, but his effort was denied, and although Zach Werenski (USA) managed to get a shot off, it ultimately went wide.
Noah Hanifin looked for a tip-in, but Jake Guentzel couldn’t help. Meanwhile, Harley drove toward the net but missed his chance.
The intensity finally reached its climax when, at 8:18 of overtime, Connor McDavid (CAN) unleashed a decisive shot to give Team Canada the 2-3 lead, sealing the game in dramatic fashion.
GOAL – CAN (2-3): At 8:18, Connor McDavid (CAN) unleashes a blistering shot from the rush that beats Jordan Binnington (CAN) on the pad, giving Team Canada the game-winning goal in overtime.
Overtime Statistical Summary
- Shots on Goal: USA 4 – CAN 3
- Shots off Goal: USA 1 – CAN 0% (0/6)
- Shooting PCT: USA 25% (1/4) – CAN 5
- Blocked Shots: USA 5 – CAN 3
- Goalkeeper Saves: USA 6 – CAN 75% (3/4)
- Saves PCT: USA 100% (6/6) – CAN 0
- Hits: USA 1 – CAN 4
- Faceoffs Won: USA 3 – CAN 57.14
- Faceoffs %: USA 57.14 – CAN 42.86
- Giveaways: USA 4 – CAN 1
Player of the Game
Connor McDavid (CAN)
Most Valuable Player
Nathan MacKinnon (CAN)
Top Five Players Based on Time On Ice (TOI)
- Brock Faber (USA): 28:50
- Jaccob Slavin (USA): 28:32
- Devon Toews (CAN): 27:09
- Cale Makar (CAN): 27:59
- Thomas Harley (CAN): 21:59
Full Game Statistical Summary
Here is the full game summary formatted as you requested:
- Shots on Goal: USA 33 – CAN 27
- Shots off Goal: USA 16 – CAN 18
- Shooting PCT: USA 6.06% (2/33) – CAN 11.11% (3/27)
- Blocked Shots: USA 19 – CAN 27
- Goalkeeper Saves: USA 24 – CAN 31
- Saves PCT: USA 88.89% (24/27) – CAN 93.94% (31/33)
- Penalties: USA 1 – CAN 0
- PIM: USA 2 – CAN 0
- Powerplay Goals: USA 0 – CAN 0
- Shorthanded Goals: USA 0 – CAN 0
- Powerplay PCT: USA 0% (0/0) – CAN 0% (0/1)
- Pen. Killing PCT: USA 100% (1/1) – CAN 100% (0/0)
- Hits: USA 28 – CAN 25
- Faceoffs Won: USA 32 – CAN 32
- Faceoffs %: USA 50 – CAN 50
- Giveaways: USA 23 – CAN 18
- Takeaways: USA 5 – CAN 5
Overtime was a closely contested battle with both teams showing strong defensive play and goalkeeping. Despite USA having more shots on goal, and much of the momentum, Canada managed to capitalize on their opportunities with a higher shooting percentage. Both teams were evenly matched in faceoffs, and the game was marked by disciplined play with minimal penalties. Overall, it was an exciting and competitive game with standout performances from both sides.
Update: According to live updates from tonight’s game, Matthew Tkachuk (USA) left the ice during the second period—roughly 2:50 into the period—after showing signs of a lower‐body issue. After that, he was on the bench for the remainder of the game.
Final Thoughts
The importance of a best-on-best series like this could not be overstated. These matchups brought together the top talent from each country, creating an environment where the best players competed at the highest level. This not only elevated the quality of the game but also fostered intense rivalries and showcased the true spirit of the sport. Fans got to witness the pinnacle of hockey, and players had the opportunity to test their skills against the very best, making every game a memorable and significant event.
Overall, it was an exciting and competitive game with standout performances from both sides, reflecting the high level of talent and sportsmanship on display. This game will be remembered for its intensity, skillful plays, and the unwavering spirit of both teams. The Four Nation Face Off Tournament truly highlighted the best of international hockey.
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