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2025 4 Nations Face-Off: USA vs Canada

The NHL launched the 4 Nations Face-Off this year as an alternative to the All-Star Game. The league has also announced its participation in upcoming international best-on-best tournaments, including the 2026 Winter Olympics and the World Cup of Hockey in 2028 and 2032. The 2026 Winter Olympics will mark the first time since 2014 that NHL players are allowed to compete. The 4 Nations Face-Off will serve as a test run for the NHL’s return to international best-on-best hockey ahead of next year’s Winter Olympics.

This year’s tournament features NHL players representing Canada, Finland, Sweden, and the United States, competing in a round-robin format. A three-point system is in place: teams earn three points for a regulation win, two points for an overtime or shootout win, one point for an overtime or shootout loss, and zero points for a regulation loss. The two teams with the most points at the end of the round-robin will face off in the championship game in Boston on Thursday, February 20.

The highly anticipated matchup between the United States and Canada took place earlier today, with Team USA securing a 3-1 victory. The win gives the United States six points in the tournament, clinching a spot in next Thursday’s championship game. The remaining teams—Canada, Finland, and Sweden—each have two points, and Monday’s matchups will determine who will face Team USA for the title.

The game had a physical start, with three fights within the first nine seconds. American forward Matthew Tkachuk fought Canadian forward Brandon Hagel immediately after the opening face-off, with only two seconds coming off the clock. On the next face-off, Brady Tkachuk dropped the gloves with Canada’s Sam Bennett, with just one more second off the clock. Seconds later, American J.T. Miller and Canadian Colton Parayko engaged in another fight, setting the tone for a heated contest.

Canada scored first, with Connor McDavid giving his team a 1-0 lead at 5:31 of the first period. Team USA responded a few minutes later when Jake Guentzel tied the game at 10:15. The United States then took a 2-1 lead at 13:33 of the second period, with Dylan Larkin leading a 2-on-1 rush with J.T. Miller and deciding to keep the puck for the goal. Guentzel sealed the victory with an empty-net goal at 18:41 of the third period for the 3-1 final score.

The U.S. proved they could match Canada’s skill and talent in the first international tournament featuring the NHL’s best in nearly a decade and clinched a spot in the 4 Nations Face-Off final.

USA vs Canada Top Plays:

Connor McDavid’s goal gives Canada the 1-0 lead Jake Guentzel’s goal ties the game at 1-1 Dylan Larkin’s goal gives Team USA the 2-1 lead This fight between Brady Tkachuk and Sam Bennett Brady Tkachuck bodies Drew Doughty Charlie McAvoy lays out Connor McDavid
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