Connor McDavid was the overtime hero for Team Canada as they exacted revenge on the United States to win the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off 3-2 at TD Garden in Boston on Thursday.
Jordan Binnington shook off the criticisms of his goaltending in a 31-save performance.
The United States won Round 1 against Canada last Saturday in Montreal, but in a return bout that featured no fisticuffs (unlike the previous encounter), Canada outlasted its rival in a tight contest with few risks taken.
Of course, the highly anticipated battle extended beyond hockey.
Earlier in the day, the White House continued its aggressive rhetoric by saying they were looking forward to the U.S. beating the “soon-to-be 51st state.”
Former Hab P.K. Subban also came under fire for tweeting (X-ing?) that the “Trizzy Train” was coming in response to President Donald Trump saying he called the American hockey team to offer his support. Former NHLer Akim Aliu took exception to the tweet with an epic takedown that had hockey fans talking.
Outside the TD Garden in Boston, Canadian fans made their presence felt, including this sign holder.
Carey Price, as always, was a man of few words.
In the pregame ceremony, Wayne Gretzky (allegiances unknown) and Mike Eruzione (wearing a Johnny Gaudreau sweater) served as honorary captains for their respective countries. Fans questioned why Gretz, an avowed Trump supporter, was chosen to represent Canada.
O Canada singer Chantal Kreviazuk confused viewers by changing the lyrics of the anthem to “that only us command” instead of “in all of us command.” This was apparently intentional in response to America’s 51st state threats.
Nathan MacKinnon opened scoring at 4:48 of the first period with a shot through traffic that beat Connor Hellebuyck. Thomas Harley (in the lineup in place of Josh Morrissey) and Sam Reinhart drew assists.
Sam Bennett nearly made it 2-0 after some calamity in the crease, but after multiple whacks couldn’t jam the puck past Hellebuyck’s outstretched pad.
Before the end of the first period, Brady Tkachuk tied it up 1-1 with his third goal of the tourney. He made his way to the front of the crease to bat home the bouncing puck. His brother, Matthew, only played 6:47 due to injury, but remained on the bench throughout the game.
Binnington never makes it looks easy, but he shut the door on Jack Hughes in the second period to keep the game tied.
But Binnington’s rebound control once again came into question when he kicked the puck out right to Jake Sanderson, who beat the out-of-position goaltender to give Team USA its first lead of the night at 2-1.
Canada tied it up 2-2 with exactly 6 minutes left in the second period. Mitch Marner found a streaking Bennett with a sharp pass and Bennett caught Hellebuyck going down early.
Like Sidney Crosby’s face, this game was intense entering the third period.
Jaccob Slavin and his active stick got in Canada’s way all night. He even robbed Carolina teammate Seth Jarvis of a scoring chance with a block.
Everyone has had an opinion on Canada sticking with Binnington in goal, but in overtime with the tournament on the line, the netminder came up with multiple miraculous saves, including this game-saver with the glove.
The hero in overtime? None other than Connor McDavid. Marner found him alone in front and he beat Hellebuyck to complete the comeback win for Team Canuck.
Sportsnet play-by-play man Chris Cuthbert called the 4 Nations Face-Off “the tournament you didn’t know you needed.” Because of Trump’s 51st state rhetoric, what was meant to be an exhibition series to temporarily replace the All-Star Game ended up becoming so much more, with even our prime minister taking a shot.
Here’s what the Liveblog commenters had to say about the final.
3. “Some good saves in OT. I guess #50 answered the chief moron a l’orange about the #51 garbage.” -Derrek Cauchi
2. “Wonder how Buttman likes handing the trophy to a Canadian team? or does he care, they cashed in on this one big time, money, money, money!” -Haari Meech
1. “So much for that schmuck Gretzky’s thumbs up to the US bench before the game. Send him back to Mar-a-Lago and revoke his citizenship.” -T Moore