In a highly charged atmosphere at Montreal’s Bell Centre, Team USA defeated Team Canada 3-1 in the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament on February 15, 2025. The game was marked by intense physicality, with three fights erupting within the first nine seconds.

The opening faceoff saw Canada’s Brandon Hagel and USA’s Matthew Tkachuk dropping gloves, followed by bouts between Brady Tkachuk and Sam Bennett, and then J.T. Miller and Colton Parayko. Despite the early altercations, the game proceeded with high-level play. Connor McDavid gave Canada an early lead, but Jake Guentzel equalized for the USA. Dylan Larkin scored the go-ahead goal in the second period, and Guentzel secured the win with an empty-netter.

The victory guarantees Team USA a spot in the tournament final in Boston on February 20. The game also reflected underlying political tensions, with Canadian fans booing the U.S. national anthem prior to the start.

Sources: thehockeywriters.com