USA - Canada 2-3 OT

Canada remains on top of the hockey world after a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory against the United States in the 4 Nations Face-Off final at TD Garden. Connor McDavid scored the championship-winning goal at 8:18 of overtime, securing Canada’s fourth consecutive best-on-best tournament title.

The game started with Canada striking first. Just 4:48 into the first period, Nathan MacKinnon opened the scoring with a precise wrist shot from beyond the circles. Moving in from the boards, he fired through traffic, catching Connor Hellebuyck off guard as the puck sailed into the top corner. Thomas Harley and Sam Reinhart collected assists on the play.

The United States responded late in the first period (16:52). A turnover deep in the Canadian zone gave Auston Matthews possession behind the net. Attempting a wraparound, the puck slipped off his stick but landed perfectly for Brady Tkachuk, who pounced on the opportunity and tucked it past Jordan Binnington to tie the game 1-1.

Momentum shifted in Team USA’s favor in the second period (27:32). Zach Werenski’s shot from the blue line forced a save from Binnington, but the rebound bounced to Matthews. His quick pass into the crease found Jake Sanderson, who crashed the net and poked the puck over the goal line to give the U.S. a 2-1 lead.

However, Canada answered back (34:00) with a Sam Bennett goal. After winning a puck battle in the neutral zone, Mitch Marner led a charge down the left wing. As he cut inside, he dropped a perfect pass to Bennett, who took advantage of Hellebuyck staying deep in his crease and sniped the puck into the top corner, making it 2-2.

The third period remained goalless, with both teams playing cautiously, knowing one mistake could decide the championship. The U.S. outshot Canada 8-4 in the period, but Binnington stood tall, making key saves to force overtime.

In sudden death overtime (68:18), Canada capitalized on an offensive-zone faceoff. McDavid found himself wide open between the circles, and Marner fed him a perfect pass. With time and space, McDavid unleashed a quick shot into the top corner, beating Hellebuyck and securing Canada’s 3-2 victory. Cale Makar also assisted on the golden goal.

Binnington was outstanding, making 31 saves on 33 shots, while Hellebuyck stopped 24 of 27 in a losing effort. Marner led Canada with two assists, and MacKinnon was named tournament MVP after finishing as the top goal scorer.

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