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2025 4 Nations Face-Off: Canada Defeats USA in Overtime to Win Championship

The 4 Nations Face-Off tournament has concluded, with Canada defeating Team USA 3-2 in overtime to claim the championship earlier tonight.

Canada got on the board first, opening the scoring at 4:48 of the first period with a goal from Nathan MacKinnon. The U.S. responded late in the period, tying the game at 16:52 with a goal from Brady Tkachuk. In the second period, the U.S. took its first lead at 7:32 with a goal from Jake Sanderson, but Sam Bennett answered for Canada at 14:00, tying the score at 2-2. Strong defensive play and goaltending kept both teams off the scoreboard in the third period, sending the game into a 20-minute sudden-death overtime.

At 8:18 of overtime, Connor McDavid netted the game-winning goal, securing Canada’s fourth consecutive best-on-best international tournament victory.

Team USA has demonstrated strong and consistent goaltending and an ability to generate offense, but defensive inconsistencies remain an area that needs improvement moving forward. Throughout the tournament, the U.S. proved that when they play a tight, shutdown game, they can compete with any team in the world. However, maintaining that level of defensive discipline will be crucial as they prepare for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Canada has been a dominant force in best-on-best international tournaments, winning six of the last seven gold medals, including the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, 2004 World Cup of Hockey, 2010 Vancouver Olympics, 2014 Sochi Olympics, 2016 World Cup of Hockey, and the 2024 4 Nations Face-Off. They will look to continue their international success at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, where they are expected to be among the top contenders for gold. While their forwards and defensemen will be in peak form, goaltending remains a question mark. Vezina candidate Logan Thompson could be a potential option, though he was left off the roster for this tournament. Meanwhile, Jordan Binnington’s strong play throughout the 4 Nations Face-Off may earn him consideration as Canada’s No. 1 goaltender heading into the Olympics.

Game Summary:

  • Canada
    • Goals: Nathan MacKinnon, Sam Bennett, Connor McDavid (OT Winning Goal)
    • Assists: Mitch Marner (2)
    • Goaltending: Jordan Binnington – 31 saves (including 6 in OT)
  • USA
    • Goals: Brady Tkachuk, Jake Sanderson
    • Assists: Auston Matthews (2)
    • Goaltending: Connor Hellebuyck – 24 saves

The 4 Nations Face-Off has been widely seen as a tune-up for the 2026 Winter Olympics, where NHL players will return to Olympic competition for the first time since 2014. Given the intense battle between Canada and the U.S. in this championship game, many believe it could be a preview of a potential Olympic showdown in 2026.

USA vs Canada 4 Nations Face-Off Championship Top Plays:

Connor McDavid’s game winning goal in OT Jordan Binnington’s save in OT Sam Bennett ties the game at 2-2 in the second period Jake Sanderson gives Team USA the 2-1 lead in the second period Brady Tkachuk ties the game at 1-1 in the first period Nathan Mackinnon gives Canada the 1-0 lead in the first period
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