U.S. Defeats Canada, Secures Spot in 4 Nations Final MONTREAL – In a thrilling, high-intensity showdown, the United States punched its ticket to the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game with a 3-1 victory over Canada on Saturday night. Dylan Larkin’s second-period goal proved to be the game-winner in a contest that had everything—fierce physicality, elite skill, and a playoff-like atmosphere.
Right from the opening faceoff, fireworks erupted as three fights broke out within the first nine seconds, setting the tone for an electrifying matchup. The highly anticipated round-robin clash lived up to expectations, featuring bone-crushing hits—most notably Charlie McAvoy’s on Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid—and stellar goaltending. Connor Hellebuyck stood tall in net, making 24 saves to keep Team USA in control.
Fast Start, Even Faster Finish
Canada struck first when McDavid showcased his world-class speed, blazing past McAvoy and Zach Werenski before roofing a backhand shot over Hellebuyck for a highlight-reel goal. However, Team USA quickly responded, exposing Canada’s ongoing goaltending concerns. Jake Guentzel slipped a shot through Jordan Binnington’s five-hole midway through the first period, leveling the score at 1-1.
Larkin then capitalized on a rare Crosby turnover and a mismanaged line change, finishing a 2-on-1 opportunity to put the U.S. ahead for good. Despite Binnington making key stops and Canada generating quality chances, the absence of top defenseman Cale Makar (illness) left gaps in their lineup. Hellebuyck remained impenetrable, and Guentzel sealed the win with an empty-net goal with 1:19 remaining.
A Night to Remember
“That was one of the best experiences of my life—just an unbelievable hockey game,” Larkin said postgame. “What a start, and credit to those guys for answering the bell. The crowd was electric. It was a great night for hockey and for this rivalry.”
U.S. head coach Mike Sullivan echoed the sentiment, calling it an “incredible hockey game.”
The loss leaves Canada in a must-win situation against Finland on Monday at TD Garden in Boston. Meanwhile, the U.S., having secured a place in the final, faces Sweden in a relatively pressure-free matchup. With the championship on the horizon, Sullivan may opt to rest key players, including Hellebuyck, whose backups, Jake Oettinger and Jeremy Swayman, could see ice time.
American forward Brady Tkachuk summed it up with a grin: “Getting a win here on a Saturday night to clinch a finals spot—that’s a pretty neat feeling. There are definitely a lot of unhappy people here in Montreal, and I’m okay with that.”
