Epic Rematch: U.S. vs. Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off

Canada and the United States are set to clash in Round 2—a thrilling rematch for the championship, pride, and ultimate bragging rights.

“It’s basically a Game 7,” U.S. forward Jack Eichel noted. “Everything is on the line.”

The stage is set for the U.S. and Canada to battle it out for the 4 Nations Face-Off title at TD Garden this Thursday at 8 p.m. ET, with coverage on ESPN, ESPN+, Disney+, SN, and TVAS.

“This is hockey’s greatest rivalry,” Canada forward Brad Marchand declared. “It’s the matchup everyone was hoping to see.”

The U.S. secured their spot in the final with a thrilling 3-1 victory against Canada at the Bell Centre on Saturday, although they subsequently faced a 2-1 loss to Sweden on Monday. Meanwhile, Canada advanced by defeating Finland 5-3 earlier this week.

If Thursday’s showdown mirrors Saturday’s intense encounter, fans can expect fiery action, high emotions, and non-stop excitement. It promises to be a spectacular display—full of explosive energy. As Canada coach Jon Cooper put it, expect “mayhem.”

“It’s fantastic for the sport that these elite teams get another chance to face off,” said U.S. coach Mike Sullivan. “The first game was fiercely competitive, and I expect this next one to be even more intense.”

Saturday’s game was marked by three fights within the initial nine seconds, a joint tally of 31 hits in the opening period, an incredible goal by Connor McDavid to give Canada the lead, followed by a resilient American comeback and a flawless defensive effort by the U.S. to clinch the win.

“Both teams tested each other’s limits and got well-acquainted quickly,” Canada captain Sidney Crosby remarked. “It’ll be a formidable test.”

For the United States, it’s been 29 years since they triumphed in a best-on-best international tournament, the last being the 1996 World Cup of Hockey.

In contrast, Canada has found success in five of the last six and nine out of 13 major tournaments since the 1976 Canada Cup, with recent victories including a hat-trick of wins (2010 Vancouver Olympics, 2014 Sochi Olympics, and 2016 World Cup of Hockey).

“This is enormous,” Eichel exclaimed. “It’s the most significant game I’ve played in a long time, perhaps ever. Exactly what we’ve been aiming for.”

With two days remaining before the big game, here are ten pressing questions to consider:

1. Will the U.S. injuries be a concern? Injury woes are mounting for the United States. Charlie McAvoy is already ruled out, admitted to Massachusetts General Hospital for tests related to an upper-body injury—a substantial setback given his stellar performance against Canada. Though Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes will join the team in Boston, he’ll only play if fewer than six U.S. defensemen are fit. Matthew Tkachuk (lower body) and Auston Matthews (upper body) missed the game against Sweden. Brady Tkachuk (lower body) was taken out early and didn’t return. However, there’s hope they’ll all be ready for Thursday, with Sullivan expressing optimism about Matthews’ return.

2. Are we gearing up for another explosive start? Expect an electric atmosphere, this time with a pro-USA crowd. The on-ice intensity should reflect this when play begins. While it may be overly ambitious to predict consecutive fights from the get-go, passion will surely run high. “Winning is our ultimate goal, and we’ll do whatever it takes,” U.S. forward J.T. Miller stated.

3. How will Canada handle the Tkachuks? Should we assume Matthew and Brady Tkachuk are back in action for the U.S.? Absolutely, they thrive in such crucial games. Both quickly engaged in fights at Saturday’s start—Matthew with Brandon Hagel two seconds in, and Brady with Sam Bennett one second later. Canada will need a strategy to temper the Tkachuks’ aggression if they’re both playing.

4. Can the U.S. pressure be relentless again? On Saturday, the U.S. flawlessly executed their strategy, forcing turnovers and delivering hits with precision. Their unselfish play paid dividends as Canada felt the pressure, both physically and on the scoreboard.

5. Will Hellebuyck rise to the occasion? Connor Hellebuyck has been outstanding, with 45 saves from 47 shots, boasting a 1.00 goals-against average and a .957 save percentage through the U.S.’s first two games. Against Canada, he was nearly perfect, stopping 25 out of 26 shots. With this matchup possibly the biggest of his career, all eyes are on Hellebuyck.

6. Can Binnington make a pivotal difference? After letting in two regrettable goals against the U.S., Cooper returned to Jordan Binnington for Monday’s game versus Finland, where he made 23 saves and secured a win. Despite a .862 save percentage, Binnington knows what it takes to win high-stakes matches, having triumphed in a Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals at TD Garden.

7. Is this McDavid’s time to shine? McDavid has already made several highlight-reel plays in the tournament, including an impressive goal against the U.S. and another against Finland. While Canada doesn’t solely rely on McDavid’s brilliance to win, another memorable performance would add to his remarkable nine-year career.

8. Is it still Crosby’s spotlight? Sidney Crosby is known for shining under pressure, especially in Team Canada colors. Notable performances in the tournament include three assists against Sweden and both a goal and an assist in the win over Finland. It wouldn’t be surprising if Crosby leads Canada to victory on Thursday.

9. What impact will Makar have for Canada? Cale Makar missed the initial Canada-U.S. matchup due to illness but was impactful against Finland. “He’s a star,” said Cooper, “a one-man breakout.” Makar’s presence should elevate Canada’s gameplay.

10. Could the game dynamics shift? If the game opens up, Canada might prefer playing with speed and skill over the physical, grinding style. However, expectations lean towards a game akin to their last encounter.