Four Nations Game Recap: Team USA vs. Team Canada | 02/15/2025

Today’s game between the USA and Canada in the Four Nations Face-Off was set to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams were coming off impressive victories and were eager to secure another win to strengthen their standings. With the USA’s explosive offense and Canada’s solid defense, this matchup promised to be an intense battle between two hockey powerhouses.

Here is Inside the Rink’s Game Preview of this Matchup:

Tournament Standings

USA: The USA team was coming off a dominant 6-1 victory over Finland on Thursday. The Tkachuk brothers led the charge, showcasing incredible skill and determination that Finland struggled to match. The USA’s offense had been explosive, and they were looking to carry this momentum into their game against Canada. A win against Canada in regulation would solidify their position at the top of the standings, clinching the Americans a spot in the final and boosting their confidence heading into the final stages of the tournament.

Canada: Canada had a thrilling 4-3 overtime win against Sweden on Wednesday. Key players like Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon were instrumental in securing the victory, with McDavid scoring the game-winning goal. Canada’s defense, led by Cale Makar, had been solid, and they were looking to maintain their strong performance against a high-flying USA team. Playing at home, Canada had the support of their home crowd, adding extra motivation to secure a win.

Injury Updates:

Cale Makar was out of the lineup tonight for Team Canada due to illness. In his place, Thomas Harley of the Dallas Stars stepped in, despite not having time to practice with the team before the game. Harley, who holds dual citizenship, was omitted from the USA roster but was added as an emergency replacement for Makar by Team Canada. Meanwhile, Quinn Hughes was out of the lineup for Team USA.

Team Lineups

Team USA

Line 1: Charlie McAvoy (Boston Bruins) (A), Zach Werenski (Columbus Blue Jackets), Matthew Tkachuk (Florida Panthers) (A), Jack Eichel (Vegas Golden Knights), Brady Tkachuk (Ottawa Senators)
Line 2: Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs) (C), Jack Hughes (New Jersey Devils), Jake Guentzel (Tampa Bay Lightning), Jaccob Slavin (Carolina Hurricanes), Brock Faber (Minnesota Wild)
Line 3: Matt Boldy (Minnesota Wild), Dylan Larkin (Detroit Red Wings), J.T. Miller (New York Rangers), Noah Hanifin (Vegas Golden Knights), Adam Fox (New York Rangers)
Line 4: Brayden Point (Tampa Bay Lightning), Anthony Cirelli (Tampa Bay Lightning), Brandon Hagel (Tampa Bay Lightning), Kyle Connor (Winnipeg Jets), Vincent Trocheck (New York Rangers), Brock Nelson (New York Islanders)

Team Canada

Line 1: Travis Sanheim (Philadelphia Flyers), Devon Toews (Colorado Avalanche), Mitch Marner (Toronto Maple Leafs), Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers) (A), Sam Reinhart (Florida Panthers)
Line 2: Colton Parayko (St. Louis Blues), Josh Morrissey (Winnipeg Jets), Mark Stone (Vegas Golden Knights), Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche), Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins) (C), Brock Faber (Minnesota Wild)
Line 3: Drew Doughty (Los Angeles Kings), Thomas Harley (Dallas Stars), Seth Jarvis (Carolina Hurricanes), Sam Bennett (Florida Panthers), Brad Marchand (Boston Bruins) (A), Adam Fox (New York Rangers)
Line 4: Brayden Point (Tampa Bay Lightning), Anthony Cirelli (Tampa Bay Lightning), Brandon Hagel (Tampa Bay Lightning), Kyle Connor (Winnipeg Jets), Vincent Trocheck (New York Rangers), Brock Nelson (New York Islanders)

Period 1

Upon puck drop, Brandon Hagel (CAN) and Matthew Tkachuk (USA) dropped the gloves (Fighting at 00:02). Shortly after, Sam Bennett (CAN) and Brady Tkachuk (USA) engaged in a fight of their own after the skirmish in front of Canada’s net (Fighting at 00:03). Just nine seconds in, another scrum erupted involving Colton Parayko (USA) and J.T. Miller (CAN) (Fighting at 00:09). As a result, we now have three players from each side in the sin bin. 

Canada goes on the power play due to an additional penalty on J.T. Miller (USA) for cross-checking (Cross-checking at 05:31). During the power play, Sidney Crosby (CAN) was slammed down behind the net. Noah Hanifin (CAN) then sent the puck up behind the net of Canada. Dylan Larkin’s (CAN) shot then went wide of the net. Later, Canada’s Sidney Crosby (CAN) took his shot onnet, but Connor Hellebuyck (USA) made the stop, leading to some heated exchanges between the teams immediately after.

Nathan MacKinnon (CAN) went on a rush but lost the puck, and icing was called on the following play, leading to a stoppage of play. The Tkachuk brothers left the sin bin and headed to the bench. Connor McDavid (CAN) then went on a quick breakaway and slammed the puck past Connor Hellebuyck (USA) over his glove side, putting Canada up 1-0. The goal at 05:31 was assisted by Drew Doughty (CAN) and Jordan Binnington (CAN).

All players are now out of the penalty box, and we have resumed to full strength. Kyle Connor (USA) tried to get the puck on net but could not connect. Charlie McAvoy (USA) then delivered a huge hit on Connor McDavid (CAN).

Later, Jake Guentzel (USA) got the Americans on the board after he sent it through the five hole on Jordan Binnington (CAN) at 10:15, assisted by Jack Eichel (USA), bringing the score to 1-1. 

Adam Fox (USA) took a shot, but it went wide and out of play. A delayed penalty was handed to Sidney Crosby (CAN) for hooking as Dylan Larkin (CAN) went across to Matt Boldy (CAN) but was held up by Crosby (Hooking at 12:54).

Sidney Crosby (CAN) returns to the ice, and Canada is back to full strength. With Crosby’s presence, Canada looks to regain control and push for another goal. The intensity on the ice remains high as both teams continue to battle.

Marchand (CAN) skillfully maneuvered the puck and slid it towards the net, but Team USA quickly recovered. Guentzel (USA) snatched the puck, only for Marchand (CAN) to reclaim it in a thrilling back-and-forth. Just as the tension peaked, Guentzel (USA) was called for tripping at 16:47, sending him to the penalty box and giving Canada a crucial power play opportunity.

Marner (CAN) got a point-blank shot on net, but Hellebuyck (USA) made a spectacular save. As we returned to full strength with just over a minute remaining, the tension on the ice was palpable.

Toews (CAN) walked in with the puck, too the shot, and Hellebuyck (USA) made a pad save. A laser shot from the right was also denied by Hellebuyck, showcasing his incredible goaltending skills.

The first period came to a thrilling close, with wild action erupting right from the opening faceoff. We ended the first period with a tied game of 1-1, and signs of more action to come in the middle frame.

Statistics

Shots on Goal: USA 6, CAN 8
Shots off Goal: USA 7, CAN 7
Shooting Percentage: USA 16.67% (1/6), CAN 12.5% (1/8)
Blocked Shots: USA 2, CAN 6
Goalkeeper Saves: USA 7, CAN 5
Save Percentage: USA 87.5% (7/8), CAN 83.33% (5/6)
Penalties: USA 4, CAN 5
Penalty Minutes (PIM): USA 17, CAN 19
Powerplay Percentage: USA 0% (0/5), CAN 0% (0/4)
Penalty Killing Percentage: USA 100% (4/4), CAN 100% (5/5)
Hits: USA 12, CAN 11
Faceoffs Won: USA 11, CAN 11
Faceoff Percentage: USA 50%, CAN 50%
Giveaways: USA 2, CAN 4
Takeaways: USA 2, CAN 2

Period 2

Just moments after the start of the period, both teams returned to full strength. With the score at 1-1, every chance with the puck counted. Brandon Hagel (USA) got a close-up shot on Connor Hellebuyck (USA), but Hellebuyck skillfully sticked it away, keeping the score level. Sidney Crosby (CAN) tried to set up the play, but USA got in the way.

Hellebuyck also made a crucial pad save on a shot by CAN, maintaining the deadlock. On the other end, Jordan Binnington (CAN) stopped a shot by Brady Tkachuk (USA), ensuring the score remained unchanged. Hagel then deked his way in on Hellebuyck, but once again, the stop was made as both teams fired on all cylinders.

Connor McDavid (CAN) tried to pass it in, but Noah Hanifin (USA) intercepted the play. Moments later, Dylan Larkin (USA) took a shot that hit the post, narrowly missing the net. Anthony Cirelli’s (USA) pass was blocked by Matthew Tkachuk (CAN). Larkin then took another shot, but Jordan Binnington (CAN) chested it down. Jack Hughes (USA) centered a shot, but it deflected off the skate of Brayden Point (USA). Auston Matthews (CAN) then halted Brandon Hagel’s (USA) advance.

Nathan MacKinnon (CAN) went low with the shot, but Connor Hellebuyck (USA) made the stop. At 13:33, Dylan Larkin (USA) with some fire on the skates gave the United States the lead with a stunning shot on Jordan Binnington (CAN) after a turnover, finding the puck from Matt Boldy (USA). The score is now 2-1 in favor of Team USA.

Jonathan Toews (CAN) made the shot on the screen, but Connor Hellebuyck (USA) made the stop. Sidney Crosby (CAN) passed across to Travis Sanheim (CAN) but had no lane on the net. Under 2 1/2 minutes remained as Team USA kept CAN on their heels.

CAN launched a counterattack with Connor McDavid (CAN) leading the rush, but he was skillfully broken up by the USA defense. Auston Matthews (USA) quickly transitioned the play, feeding the puck back into the CAN zone, keeping the pressure on. The intensity on the ice was palpable as both teams fought fiercely for control, with every second ticking down adding to the tension.

A block by J.T. Miller (USA) got the puck out of danger with under 30 seconds remaining. Team USA led at the close of the frame, 2-1.

Statistics

Shots on Goal: USA 10, CAN 10
Shots off Goal: USA 3, CAN 2
Shooting Percentage: USA 0% (0/10), CAN 10% (1/10)
Blocked Shots: USA 5, CAN 6
Goalkeeper Saves: USA 9, CAN 10
Save Percentage: USA 90% (9/10), CAN 100% (10/10)
Hits: USA 8, CAN 10
Faceoffs Won: USA 7, CAN 11
Faceoff Percentage: USA 38.89%, CAN 61.11%
Giveaways: USA 5, CAN 7
Takeaways: USA 2, CAN 1

Period 3

Connor McDavid (CAN), showcasing his incredible speed, darted down the ice, but Noah Hanifin (USA) skillfully intercepted him, preventing a scoring opportunity. Shortly after, Sidney Crosby (CAN) made a brilliant centering pass, but Jake Guentzel (USA) was there to block it, keeping the pressure on.

Travis Sanheim (CAN) made a sharp pass to the side of the net, creating a tense moment, but Team USA quickly cleared the puck from the zone, defusing the threat. Later, McDavid’s (CAN) pass was tipped by Matt Boldy (USA), disrupting another potential play. Thomas Harley (CAN) delivered a solid hit on Jack Hughes (USA), riling up the crowd. Brad Marchand (CAN) then fired a shot on Connor Hellebuyck (USA), but the netminder made a crucial pad save, as he did with Sanheim’s (CAN) shot from the same side later on.

Matthew Tkachuk (USA) passed to his brother Brady Tkachuk (USA), who took a shot on Jordan Binnington (CAN), but Binnington made the stop. Sidney Crosby (CAN) passed to Connor McDavid (CAN), who then sent it to Mark Stone (CAN). Crosby got the puck back and attempted a spin move, but Zach Werenski (USA) intercepted it.

Jack Hughes (USA) managed to get a shot off to Jake Guentzel (USA), but Guentzel couldn’t get a clean shot off, missing a key opportunity. Devon Toews (CAN) tried to navigate through traffic but couldn’t get a clear shot off. Matt Boldy (USA) stretched to reach the puck on a turnover and nearly had a shot on Jordan Binnington (CAN), but was ultimately stopped.

Brady Tkachuk (USA) sent the puck in, and Brad Marchand (CAN) tried to get it into the zone but went down after being blocked. Later, Sidney Crosby (CAN) got a shot off, but Auston Matthews (USA) intercepted it, preventing another scoring chance.

With half of the final period remaining, the intensity on the ice was palpable as both teams fought fiercely for control. Drew Doughty (CAN) fanned on a shot, allowing Auston Matthews (USA) to grab the puck and rush down the ice.

Matthew Tkachuk (USA) remained on the bench after leaving play earlier in the period. Under five minutes remained as Canada was running out of time to find the equalizing goal. Anthony Cirelli (CAN) blocked a shot, adding to the defensive efforts.

Connor McDavid (CAN) was on the move, but two American players got their sticks in the way, disrupting his play. Under five minutes remained as Canada was running out of time to find the equalizing goal. Anthony Cirelli (CAN) blocked a shot, adding to the defensive efforts. Vincent Trocheck (USA) took a shot, and Jake Guentzel (USA) on the rebound, took another shot, but Jordan Binnington (CAN) stopped it. It was Guentzel again when, at 18:41, he scored an empty-net goal, assisted by Dylan Larkin and Brock Faber, bringing the final score to 3-1 in favor of the USA.

Statistics

Shots on Goal: 5 (CAN) | 8 (USA)
Shots off Goal: 7 (CAN) | 5 (USA)
Shooting Percentage: 20% (1/5) (CAN) | 0% (0/8) (USA)
Blocked Shots: 4 (CAN) | 8 (USA)
Goalkeeper Saves: 8 (CAN) | 4 (USA)
Save Percentage: 100% (8/8) (CAN) | 100% (4/4) (USA)
Hits: 7 (CAN) | 7 (USA)
Faceoffs Won: 8 (CAN) | 10 (USA)
Faceoff Percentage: 44.44% (CAN) | 55.56% (USA)
Giveaways: 9 (CAN) | 11 (USA)
Takeaways: 0 (CAN) | 2 (USA)
Empty Net Goals: 0 (CAN) | 1 (USA)

Summary

The USA clinched a 3-1 victory, securing a berth in next Thursday’s Final. Canada now controls its own destiny, needing a win in regulation against Finland on Monday to reach the championship game. This game also ended Canada’s 17-game win streak in best-on-best competition.

Game Stat Summary

Shots on Goal: 26 (CAN) | 23 (USA)
Shots off Goal: 12 (CAN) | 16 (USA)
Shooting Percentage: 3.85% (1/26) (CAN) | 13.04% (3/23) (USA)
Blocked Shots: 15 (CAN) | 17 (USA)
Goalkeeper Saves: 20 (CAN) | 25 (USA)
Save Percentage: 90.91% (20/22) (CAN) | 96.15% (25/26) (USA)
Hits: 29 (CAN) | 34 (USA)
Faceoffs Won: 28 (CAN) | 30 (USA)
Faceoff Percentage: 48.28% (CAN) | 51.72% (USA)
Giveaways: 18 (CAN) | 20 (USA)
Takeaways: 6 (CAN) | 3 (USA)
Empty Net Goals: 0 (CAN) | 1 (USA)

Goaltender Stats

• Jordan Binnington (CAN): 58:22, 20-21, 90.91%
• Connor Hellebuyck (USA): 60:00, 25-25, 96.00%