USA vs Canada Hockey Showdown: Thrilling 4 Nations Face-Off Recap and Highlights

The rivalry between the United States and Canada in hockey is always electric, but their latest clash at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off in Montreal took intensity to a whole new level. With bragging rights, a championship berth, and national pride on the line, the game delivered non-stop action, jaw-dropping plays, and a historic outcome. Here’s everything you need to know about the USA’s thrilling 3-1 victory over Canada and what it means for both teams moving forward.

A Fiery Start: Three Fights in Nine Seconds

The game exploded before fans could even settle into their seats. Just two seconds after puck drop, USA’s Matthew Tkachuk and Canada’s Brandon Hagel dropped their gloves, igniting a wild sequence of three fights in the opening nine seconds . Brady Tkachuk (Matthew’s brother) tangled with Sam Bennett moments later, followed by J.T. Miller and Colton Parayko trading blows. The chaotic start set the tone for a physical, no-holds-barred battle that had the sold-out Bell Centre crowd roaring .

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and MMA legend Georges St-Pierre were among the spectators witnessing the chaos, which included loud boos during the U.S. national anthem—a reaction tied to ongoing political tensions between the nations .

Key Moments That Decided the Game

1. McDavid Strikes First
Canada’s Connor McDavid, the NHL’s fastest player, lived up to his reputation. At 5:31 in the first period, he blew past USA defenseman Charlie McAvoy and roofed a backhand shot past goalie Connor Hellebuyck, sending the Canadian crowd into a frenzy .

2. Guentzel Answers Back
The U.S. responded quickly. Jake Guentzel tied the game at 1-1 midway through the first period with a shot that slipped through Canada’s Jordan Binnington—a goal the goalie later admitted he “wanted back” .

3. Larkin’s Game-Winner
Dylan Larkin broke the deadlock in the second period, capitalizing on a Sidney Crosby turnover to score on a 2-on-1 rush. Larkin later joked about spotting his family’s celebration in the crowd, especially his dad’s “whitest hair” .

4. Empty-Netter Seals the Deal
Guentzel iced the game with an empty-net goal in the final two minutes, sparking “U-S-A!” chants from American fans in attendance .

Standout Performances

Connor Hellebuyck (USA): The star goalie made 25 saves, including critical stops on Nathan MacKinnon and Brayden Point. His calm, positional play shut down Canada’s high-powered offense .

Charlie McAvoy (USA): After being burned by McDavid early, McAvoy retaliated with massive hits on McDavid and Sidney Crosby, setting a physical tone for Team USA .

Connor McDavid (Canada): Despite the loss, McDavid’s speed and skill kept Canada in the game. He later praised the matchup as “everything you’d want in a hockey game” .

Injury Concerns for Team USA

The victory came at a cost. Matthew Tkachuk left the game in the third period with a lower-body injury after colliding with a Canadian player. Though he downplayed the issue, his status for the championship game remains uncertain .

What’s Next for Both Teams?

USA Clinches Championship Spot: With two regulation wins, the U.S. secured a place in the 4 Nations final on February 20 in Boston. Their last game against Sweden on February 17 is now a tune-up .

Canada’s Must-Win Scenario: Canada must defeat Finland on February 17 to earn a rematch with the U.S. in the final. Missing star defenseman Cale Makar (illness) didn’t help, but coach Jon Cooper remains optimistic .

Fan Reactions and Atmosphere

The Bell Centre was a cauldron of noise, with Canadian fans booing the U.S. anthem and cheering every hit. The rivalry’s intensity spilled into the stands, but American supporters made their presence felt during the final minutes with deafening chants .

Why This Win Matters

This marked Team USA’s first best-on-best victory over Canada since the 2010 Winter Olympics—a milestone that silenced doubts about America’s ability to compete with hockey’s traditional powerhouse. The win also showcased the U.S.’s depth, physicality, and clutch goaltending, proving they’re a force in international hockey .

Looking Ahead: A Rivalry Renewed

Whether these teams meet again in the final or down the line, one thing is clear: the USA vs Canada rivalry is alive and thriving. As Canadian forward Sam Bennett put it, “All we’ve got to do is win another game, and we get them again” .

For now, American fans can savor a historic win—one built on grit, skill, and a little chaos.

Final Score: USA 3 – Canada 1
Shots on Goal: USA 23 – Canada 26
Hits: USA 34 – Canada 29
Key Stat: The U.S. killed all three Canadian power plays, while Canada stopped two U.S. advantages .

Stay tuned for more updates as the 4 Nations Face-Off heads to Boston for the championship game! 🏒🇺🇸🇨🇦