Thrilling U.S. Victory Secures Championship Spot in 4 Nations Face-Off

MONTREAL – Surrounded by a fervently pro-Canada crowd, the United States showcased their dominance on the ice, emerging as the superior force in a fierce international hockey rivalry — at least for now.

Jake Guentzel was the star, netting two goals to lead the U.S. to a 3-1 victory over Canada before a full house of 21,105 at Bell Centre on Saturday, securing their spot in the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game.

“That was one of the most incredible games I’ve ever been part of,” U.S. forward Dylan Larkin expressed. “Truly an unforgettable experience.”

This win marked the United States’ first against Canada in a best-on-best international tournament since their triumph in the preliminary round of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics on February 21, 2010.

Dylan Larkin contributed a goal and an assist, while Connor Hellebuyck was solid in goal with 25 saves for the U.S., which tops the tournament standings with six points (2-0-0-0) thanks to two regulation victories, including a 6-1 win over Finland on Thursday.

Collecting two points each, Canada (0-1-0-1), Sweden, and Finland trail behind. The U.S. cannot be surpassed for first place in the standings as the last two games of the round-robin are scheduled to be played at TD Garden in Boston on Monday.

The championship game is set for TD Garden on Thursday.

“Securing our place in Thursday’s game is exhilarating, but we have a significant match ahead on Monday (against Sweden),” emphasized U.S. forward Brady Tkachuk. “It’s easy to get complacent, but I don’t think this group will settle. We’re clear-eyed about what’s at stake. Our ambitions have been unwavering since the start, and we won’t relent till we achieve them.”

Canada’s Connor McDavid found the back of the net, with goalie Jordan Binnington adding 20 saves to Canada’s effort.

Canada has a shot at the finals with a regulation win over Finland on Monday (1 p.m. ET; MAX, truTV, TNT, SN, TVAS). Alternatively, Finland can secure their place by beating Canada in regulation.

“The game was fast-paced, competitive, and full of raw energy,” McDavid noted. “Though the result wasn’t in our favor, the competition is far from decided.”

Right from the start, the intense rivalry was on full display with three fights breaking out in the first nine seconds.

“Absolute chaos,” said Canada coach Jon Cooper. “That was just the first minute.”

U.S. forward Matthew Tkachuk clashed with Canada’s Brandon Hagel after just two seconds of play. Immediately following the ensuing face-off, U.S. forward Brady Tkachuk engaged with Canada’s Sam Bennett after another second ticked away.

Another face-off and six seconds later, J.T. Miller of the U.S. and Canada’s Colton Parayko brawled after a scrum near the U.S. net.

Miller was penalized for cross-checking, yet the U.S. successfully killed the penalty.

“We wanted to make a statement: ‘This is our moment,’” asserted Matthew Tkachuk. “In a hostile setting, we aimed to show we wouldn’t back down. They’ve enjoyed so much success over the years, with numerous elite players. We felt it was the right time and place for it. It was exhilarating.

“Credit to the Canadians too, they mirrored our intensity. The energy was electric from both teams, and the crowd was roaring after the third fight. Can’t wait to see what’s next.”

Once the dust settled, the game gained momentum, and McDavid handed Canada a 1-0 lead at 5:31 of the first period.

Bursting through the neutral zone with speed, he received a pass from Drew Doughty in stride, shielding the puck from Charlie McAvoy’s backhand, and skillfully flicked it over Hellebuyck’s glove from the right side.

The U.S. equalized at 1-1 with Guentzel’s goal at 10:15, coming just 26 seconds after McAvoy laid a huge hit on McDavid along the left-wing wall in the U.S. defensive zone. Guentzel then fired a low shot from the left face-off circle, slipping the puck beneath Binnington’s pad.

“That hit from McAvoy was definitely a momentum changer — possibly one of the best plays in the game,” Matthew Tkachuk acknowledged. “After Canada’s goal, the arena was buzzing, and Charlie’s hit on McDavid was massive, one of the hardest I’ve seen.”

McAvoy later delivered another substantial hit on McDavid in a similar area at 11:55. He ended the period with four hits; two on McDavid and two on Sidney Crosby.

Brady Tkachuk delivered a powerful check to Doughty behind Canada’s net at 15:28.

During the first period, a total of 31 hits were recorded: 17 by the U.S. and 14 by Canada.

“We handled our emotions well and hit when the opportunity arose. Charlie was outstanding and really spearheaded the defense tonight—pure 200-foot play, physicality, offense—all included,” Matthew Tkachuk praised. “He was undoubtedly one of our best out there, and we followed his lead.”

Larkin’s goal at 13:33 in the second period handed the U.S. a 2-1 lead. Bursting into a 2-on-1 with Miller, he opted to shoot and scored, sending the puck into the top right corner.

Larkin shared that seeing his father’s celebration in the stands was a special moment. His family had a clear view from the corner as he celebrated on the ice.

“Catching a glimpse of my dad celebrating made it extra special,” Larkin remarked. “Arguably one of the most memorable goals of my career.”

Despite dominating puck possession in the third period, Canada struggled to convert their opportunities, while the U.S. maintained a solid defensive structure, thwarted passes, and blocked eight shots.

“We had possession for much of the rink, but couldn’t penetrate that final 20 feet, and it’s something we need to examine,” Cooper admitted. “Lessons must be learned from this.”

According to Hellebuyck, the game’s intensity felt like playoff hockey during the third period.

“With a lead, we were focused on running down the clock,” he elaborated. “Trying to build momentum, but comprehensive defense was key, knowing they’d apply pressure—perfect hockey, perfect details required.”

Guentzel closed the game with an empty-net goal at 18:41, sealing the U.S. victory at 3-1.

Hellebuyck tallied three more saves post-goal, finishing with eight for the period.

“What a remarkable game,” praised U.S. coach Mike Sullivan.

NOTES: Matthew Tkachuk sat out the final 12:36 due to a lower-body injury but remained on the bench. Coach Sullivan stated that Tkachuk is being evaluated and his availability for the game against Sweden on Monday (8 p.m. ET; MAX, truTV, TNT, SN, TVAS) is uncertain. Canada’s defenseman Cale Makar (illness) did not play, and Thomas Harley stepped in, logging 18:17 on the ice. Canada also missed defenseman Shea Theodore, sidelined for the tournament with an upper-body injury. Coach Cooper is hopeful Makar will be fit to play on Monday.