The 4 Nations Final could not be more serious, as two of the best hockey nations faced off in the final. The United States took on the hockey giant to the north for the right to call themselves the best in the world. Although this is, in fact, an exhibition tournament, it appeared to be more like the Stanley Cup Playoffs during this game. Which team would win the 4 Nations Final?
4 Nations Underway
Countering the Canadians booing the American National Anthem last Saturday, the American crowd roared in opposition to the Canadian National Anthem. An “eye for an eye” as many of us have heard. The American crowd was much more vocal in the final game, in comparison to the Canadians last Saturday. As soon as the puck dropped in TD Garden in Boston Massachusetts, the USA and Canadian clubs were brutal. Each club nearly matched shot attempts, and the physicality was shuddering.
Canada got on the board first in the 4 Nations Final as Nathan MacKinnon from the Colorado Avalanche scored in the first. Brady Tkachuk evened the game with a score of his own. As the periods continued, the desperation and skill only increased. Skating into the second period the raw talent and shocking synergy from both the USA and Canadian clubs was astounding.
The USA took the lead as Jake Sanderson, a backup backup, shot the puck past Canadian Goaltender Jordan Binnington. The emotional whiplash intensified as the Canadians responded to the USA’s goal, tying it 2-2 before the break.
Into Overtime
The Nation’s heroes, and the best of the best in hockey, did not disappoint. Jaccob Slavin among the rest of the USA’s roster has played extraordinary. Slavin kept the score tied numerous times with his defensive maneuvering. Matthew Tkachuk did not play at all in the third period due to a rumored groin injury. Although Tkachuk’s absence was felt, America’s defense was untouchable in response to Canada’s attempt to make offensive plays. How does the NHL expect fans and players to return to the regular season after such a high-impact 4 Nation series?
While the third period was too intense to handle, neither club scored, taking the finale to overtime. Thankfully, the overtime rules were the same as the Stanley Cup Playoff rules, meaning, no three-on-three, or time limit. Whoever scores takes home the title of “best hockey nation in the world.” USA fans were on their feet for nearly ten minutes into overtime chanting “USA“, and while the Americans had scoring opportunity after scoring opportunity, Canada snuck the puck by and scored to win the 4 Nations Final 3-2.
