The 4 Nations Face-Off Championship Game Lived up to the hype. It proved to be intense, fast and physical. The Atmosphere in Boston was electric. Kudos to the organizers of the tournament.
Prior to the game starting, both teams were introduced, and their respective Anthems were played.
Wayne Gretzky joined the Canadian players on the ice as their Honourary Captain. Many boos from the fans as the Canadian players were introduced and lined up on the blue line.
Mike Eruzione from the 1980 USA Miracle on Ice Team was USA’s respective Honourary Captain. Great ovation to Team USA as they lined up on their blue line.
Canadian Anthem was Booed at the Gardens in Boston
The Trump Affect. Many fans booed the Canadian Anthem, but Proud Canadians Sporting their Team Canada Jerseys made their voices heard as they sang along with the anthem. The arena loudly cheered for the USA Anthem, with many shouting, “USA, USA”.
The Stage Was Set For An Emotional Game
1st Period Ended With The Teams Knotted at 1.
The game started at an intense and high pace.
Canada came out flying. Nathan MacKinnon opened the scoring at about the 5 minute mark as Team Canada had a ton of pressure in front of the USA net. Assists to Thomas Harley and Sam Reinhart. USA’s goalie Connor Hellebuyck played a strong first period to hold Canada to one goal.
Canada’s Goalie Jordan Binnington also had a strong first period, highlighted by stopping USA’s Dylan Larkin on a breakaway with around 7 minutes left in the first. With about 3 minutes remaining Brady Tkachuk tied the game at 1 with an assist from Auston Matthews.
Both teams had 10 shots on goal. There were no penalties.
2nd Period Ends Knotted at 2.
The physical aspect of the game intensified as the game progressed, with more pushing and shoving in the second period. USA’s Brady Tkachuk was often in the middle of the physicality. There were a number of heavy hits.
With 12:28 remaining in the second, USA scored. With Auston Mathews and Brady Tkachuk swarming the net, Jake Sanderson came in from the blue line to fire a loose puck into the net. Assists to Auston Matthews and Zach Werenski.
At the midway mark of the second period, Team Canada gained a Power Play off a USA penalty. This was the first power play and penalty of the game. Team USA was able to fend off this Canadian opportunity.
With about six minutes remaining in the second period, as the crowd started to shout, “USA USA”, Mitch Marner carried the puck over the blue line with Sam Bennett next to him closer to the boards. Marner cut into the high slot, passing to an open moving Bennett on his left side, who fired a high shot past Binnington.
Canada pushed hard at the end second for a go ahead goal, but USA held off the pressure.
Both teams had 9 shots each in the second period. Total of 19 each after two periods. One penalty so far. One minor penalty to Team USA.
3rd Period Set Up for Excitement
The third period featured intense back and forth action. 3 minutes into the third, Jordan Binnington made two big saves. One by Jake Guenzel and the second by Zach Werenski, both up close and dangerous.
Later, Team Canada put pressure on the USA net, hitting the goal post with 4 1/2 gone in the third.
Both teams were exchanging scoring chances keeping the pace of the game fast and intense.
Shots in favor of USA 8-4 in the third period. Shot Total. Canada 23, USA 27.
OVERTIME!! Who Will Be The Hero?
Wow. Exciting out of the gate. Jordan Binnington was hot. Big saves early in overtime on Auston Matthews and Brady Tkachuk. He kept Canada in it.
Then, time for heroics. Mitch Marner received a pass from Cale Makar and had control of the puck in the corner to the right of Connor Hellebuyck. He spotted Connor McDavid in the slot, hitting him with a great pass. McDavid made no mistake and fired home the Championship goal with 11:42 left on the clock. Canada Wins.
Final Score. Team Canada 3 Team USA 2
Shots. OT Canada 4, USA 6
3 Stars. First Star Connor McDavid of Canada, 2nd Star Binnington of Canada, 3rd Star Brady Tkachuk of USA.
Tournament 1st Star: MacKinnon
It should be noted that the Canadian Team and Anthem were cheered at the end of the game.
Oh Canada!! We are the Champions!!
Greetings. In introducing myself, I must relate that family is most important. I am a husband, father and grandfather. Beautiful extended family. I was born in the 60’s. Graduated from Laurentian University in Sudbury in 1985 with a degree in Social Work. Recently retired.
Sports has been and continues to be my foremost outlet for stress. I have been a coach/ trainer on over 40 youth teams, including hockey, baseball and soccer. Hockey is my number one sport. Began playing as a young child and continue to play several times per week. Huge Fan. I am not an expert per say when it comes to having close contacts to the hockey world. Still have expertise as a Fan. I have probably earned some form of “Hockey PTSD” over the years with the highs and lows of the cheering for the Leafs. I want to respectfully share my opinion and respectfully view your opinions. Should be fun. Keep your stick on the ice.
Take Care and Stay Safe.