Canada defeats USA in overtime to claim hockey's first 4 Nations Face-Off title
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Canada Beats US to Win 4 Nations Hockey Final
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Above: Canada's Connor McDavid celebrates his game-winning goal with teammates Devon Toews, Cale Makar, and Mitch Marner. Image copyright: Matthew J. Lee/Contributor/The Boston Globe via Getty Images
The Facts
Connor McDavid scored the overtime game-winner, leading Canada to a 3-2 victory over the US in the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game at Boston's TD Garden on Thursday.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau posted on X (formerly Twitter), "You can't take our country — and you can't take our game" in a callback to US Pres. Donald Trump's talk about making Canada the "51st state."
Nathan MacKinnon opened scoring for Canada, followed by the USA's Brady Tkachuk and Jake Sanderson taking the lead, before Sam Bennett equalized for Canada, setting up McDavid's overtime winner.
The Spin
Narrative A
This game was more than just hockey — it was about national pride. Team Canada's victory was a powerful statement of Canadian sovereignty and identity when US trade policies and political rhetoric had strained relations with the US' northern neighbor. This win shows that Canada is tough and resilient and can push back both on and off the field.
Narrative B
It's unfair to politicize the age-old sports rivalry between two neighbors. The political backdrop certainly put Team USA players in an uncomfortable spot in the lead-up to the final. Yet, the tournament showcased American athletic excellence and competitive spirit. The Canadians were the favorites and won the little tournament, but the US remains the best hockey nation in the world.
