4 Nations Face-Off

Whether the 4 Nations Face-Off will continue at some point in the future or is a unique one-time tournament will be determined in time, but the event was an ultra-exciting reprieve amidst the 2024-25 NHL season, replacing the NHL's annual All-Star Game and serving as a wonderful appetizer for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan, Italy.

The tournament involved four countries — Canada, Finland, Sweden and the United States — with each team comprised of the 23 best NHL players available from their country for a three-round playoff to span from February 12 to the 20th, starting in Montreal and concluding in Boston. The two nations that collected the most points advanced to the championship. A regulation win earned three points, an overtime or shootout win earned two points, and an overtime loss gave the country one point.

Once the dust had settled, the United States faced Canada for the 4 Nations Face-Off championship. The U.S. earned six points with regulation wins over Finland and Canada and a loss to Sweden. Canada had five points with a regulation win over Finland and an overtime win against Sweden. Sweden also collected five points with a regulation win against the United States as well as overtime losses to Finland and Canada, while Finland had an overtime win against Sweden for its two points. Although Canada and Sweden were tied in points, Canada took the runner-up spot to the U.S. with more wins than Sweden (as well as a head-to-head victory).

The tournament showcased outstanding skill but also a competitive spirit not often exhibited in international competitions. The first game between Canada and the United States began with a surprising intensity seldom seen in international competitions, and carried into the final game where, after 60 minutes, the squads were tied at two.

Both teams earned glorious chances in overtime, but at 8:18 of extra time, Connor McDavid fired home the winning goal to capture the championship. The Canadian bench emptied wildly, embracing McDavid and each other as Boston's TD Garden celebrated a series that will be remembered for its spirited play and exceptional level of skill.

With four goals in four games, including the opening goal in the deciding game, Nathan MacKinnon was named the tournament's MVP. Canadian captain Sidney Crosby accepted the newly-minted 4 Nations Face-Off championship trophy on behalf of his team, beckoning his teammates to join him for brief skates while hoisting the magnificent trophy.