The last time a game felt this important across Canada? The gold medal game of the 2010 Olympics, when Team Canada beat Team USA.
That time it was Canada’s pride as hockey nation on the line. This time it’s Canada’s pride as a nation period.
The game is all over social media tonight, and here is a running count of some of the most interesting comments
ESPN reporter Kristen Shilton @kristen_shilton
truly hard to even capture the energy/excitement in montreal for this CAD-USA game. absolutely immaculate
Toronto hockey commentator David Pagnotta @TheFourthPeriod
Georges St-Pierre, Michelle Kwan, Carey Price and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau among those in attendance for the game tonight. Got a feeling fans here in Montreal are gonna lose it for GSP!
Hockey Canada @HockeyCanada
Cale Makar will not play tonight, but remains eligible for the tournament. Brad Marchand will serve as an alternate captain tonight.
Hall of Fame d-man Chris Pronger @chrispronger
What an incredible opportunity for Thomas Harley and a difficult one at that. Youth will serve him well! Hope Makar being out is just a precaution…Here we go!! These games are where legends are born! Thomas Harley with an opportunity unlike many we have seen before.
Cult of Hockey contributor Ira Cooper @coopsie39
Canada had trouble transitioning the puck without Theodore – now with Makar out it becomes something to watch for sure. Harley is a nice d-man but I’m certain he was not the team’s 1st, 2nd or 3rd call – players are gone south.
Stats analyst Meghan Chayka @MeghanChayka
You put a country on the jersey. All of sudden it’s Game 7 Stanley cup finals vibes.
Former NHLer Scottie Upshall @ScottieUpshall
How boring will it be watching NHL games after this week?
Chris Pronger @chrispronger
3 seconds 2 fights. And now the nerves are out and back to the regularly scheduled hockey game #4Nations
Edmonton hockey writer Daniel Nugent-Bowman of The Athletic
Count on the Tkachuks to turn this game into a sideshow. This is completely embarrassing.
The Hockey News @TheHockeyNews
Still can’t believe that just happened
Oilers fan K-JAM @KevinJamieson86
I honestly think this start bodes MUCH better for Canada than the US. Canada showing a spine early.
McDavid scores, Canada 1, USA 0
Terry Jones @byterryjones
Not a knockout punch but that defining Connor McDavid gorgeous goal makes this the celebration of hockey it is supposed to be.