When the 4 Nations Face-Off began with Canada playing Sweden, not everyone was on board that the event would live up to the hype. The doubters were proven wrong when Canada won 4-3 against Canada in overtime.
The four countries of Canada, the United States, Sweden and Finland lived up to the hype and went full contact and gave the fans moments they won't forget. Of course, one of the biggest moments came when the United States and Canada got into three fights in nine seconds this past Saturday. One of those fights included Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk.
The championship game had finally arrived in Boston between Canada and the United States. Tkachuk and his Senators teammate Jake Sanderson had a chance bring home a championship for the United States, but it wouldn't come true.
Canada wins 4 Nations Face-Off championship against USA
Behind Connor McDavid's overtime winner, Canada defeated the United States 3-2 at TD Garden to win the 4 Nations Face-Off.
CONNOR MCDAVID!!!! THE GAME WINNER!!! CANADA WINS THE #4NATIONS FACE-OFF 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/QmPPXdj9wz
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 21, 2025
The inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off concluded with a spectacular championship game. Fans will talk about the tournament's 2025 championship game just like they do with Sidney Crosby's overtime winner to give Canada the gold medal in 2010.
In the first period, the United States found themselves trailing 1-0 just 4:48 into the game. Then, Tkachuk scored a tip-in goal for the United States at one late in the first period.
BRADY PLAYS FREE BIRD! WE'RE TIED IN BOSTON! 🦅 #4Nations pic.twitter.com/erFcWKLsWa
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 21, 2025
Throughout the game, Tkachuk's Senators teammate had his play recognized against Canada. In the second period, Sanderson scored a goal to give the United States a 2-1 lead. At 22 years old, the big stage didn't bother Sanderson to play against the best from each country. Sanderson's play was highly noticed from former Norris Trophy winner P.K. Subban.
"The Ottawa Senators got a great one in this kid,"- P.K. Subban on Jake Sanderson
— Jake F (@18Jxxx18) February 21, 2025
After Sanderson's goal, Canada's Sam Bennett tied the game at two. After a stalemate third period overtime was needed. Then, one of the NHL's best all-time McDavid scored the overtime winner.
Now that the tournament is done, it's time to return to NHL play. The Senators will return to play on Saturday night at 7 p.m. ET when they host the Montreal Canadiens at Canadian Tire Centre.