Canada and the United States have a storied hockey rivalry, marked by iconic moments like the 1996 World Cup, the 2010 Olympic gold-medal game in Vancouver, and fierce women’s program finals. However, the tension hit a new high on Saturday during the 4 Nations Face-Off in Montreal.
Dylan Larkin delivered the game-winning goal in the second period and contributed an assist as the United States defeated Canada 3-1. The matchup began explosively, featuring three fights within the first nine seconds, setting the tone for an electric and physical game.
Canadian head coach Jon Cooper called the chaotic start “as organic as it gets,” likening it to a release of a decade’s worth of pent-up energy after years without international hockey. “Mayhem,” he added when summing up the game.
Jake Guentzel added two goals, including an empty-netter, while Connor Hellebuyck made 25 saves for the Americans. “Very indicative of what this means to the players,” said U.S. head coach Mike Sullivan. “Incredible hockey game.”
Connor McDavid scored Canada’s lone goal, with Jordan Binnington stopping 20 shots. Canada played without top defenseman Cale Makar due to illness.
The United States, which dominated Finland 6-1 earlier in the tournament, secured its spot in Thursday’s final in Boston with a perfect six points from two regulation wins. Canada, Sweden, and Finland each hold two points in the round-robin event, which serves as a prelude to the NHL’s return to Olympic play next year.
Monday’s games at TD Garden feature Canada facing Finland and Sweden taking on the U.S., setting the stage for Thursday’s final. Canada must defeat Finland in regulation to guarantee a rematch with its long-standing rival.
“Kind of like a Game 7,” said McDavid. “A lot of guys in this room have been in that situation before.”
The game’s fiery opening included a fight between Brandon Hagel and Matthew Tkachuk just two seconds after the puck drop, with additional brawls following immediately. The raucous Bell Centre crowd, led by an introduction from MMA legend Georges St-Pierre, roared through “O Canada” and booed the American anthem, adding to the atmosphere.
Tkachuk summed up the mood: “We needed to send a message. We want it to be our time.”
Hagel, standing his ground, said, “I’m not gonna let it happen.”
Source: Swifteradio.com
