BOSTON (AP) — The atmosphere was electric as Canada celebrated its victory, singing “O Canada” without any American fans left to boo. The Canadian team lined up at the blue line, proudly wearing their championship hats while the maple leaf flag was lowered behind the newly awarded 4 Nations Face-Off trophy. Fans in red Team Canada jerseys joined in, creating a harmonious moment.
Connor McDavid scored the winning goal at 8:18 of overtime, making it a dramatic 3-2 finish against the United States in a game that was supposed to be a warm-up for the 2026 Olympics. Instead, it turned into something much more—an intense clash not only for hockey supremacy but also filled with political undertones.
“You can’t take our country — and you can’t take our game,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed on social media, referencing political discussions about Canada’s closeness to the U.S. “It was a perfect storm for our sport,” said Nathan MacKinnon, who earned MVP honors with four goals in four games. The event captured attention all over North America.
Canadian goalie Jordan Binnington made 31 saves and shut down the Americans with a stellar performance, including 20 straight stops during the game. MacKinnon and Sam Bennett both contributed goals, tying the game 2-2 in the second period before a scoreless third.
In overtime, after a flurry of saves by Binnington, Canada capitalized on a faceoff in the U.S. zone. Mitch Marner passed the puck to McDavid, who scored the decisive goal. The celebration was joyful, with players shaking hands with their rivals and then taking turns hoisting their hard-earned trophy.
“It’s not an Olympic gold medal, but it means the world to us,” McDavid said. He expressed hope that new fans will embrace the sport, highlighting the excitement the tournament brought in just a few short days.
On the U.S. side, Brady Tkachuk and Jake Sanderson found the net, while Connor Hellebuyck made 22 saves in regulation and additional saves in OT. Historically, the U.S. has struggled against Canada in international play, winning only one out of the last several matchups since 2010.
“I hope this will inspire the next generation,” said U.S. forward Dylan Larkin. “Seeing the rivalry grow can push more players to want a piece of this.” The tournament was further fueled by recent political tensions, making the competition feel more significant than ever.
The atmosphere was reminiscent of a Stanley Cup Final or Olympic gold medal matchup, filled with passionate fans waving flags and chanting for their teams. There was a spectacle even in the pregame, as an homage to the 1980 Olympics was shown, stirring memories of the iconic “Miracle on Ice.”
In the end, Canada emerged victorious, and the entire team felt the weight of pride representing their country. “You’ve got 40 million Canadians at home, and it’s a special feeling to play for our flag,” Mark Stone shared. The win brought unity and joy to the Canadian team, making it an unforgettable moment in hockey history.
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