Victor Hedman speaks with reporters postgame

There was a lot of hype leading up to the Feb. 15 game between Team Canada and Team USA. The teams undoubtedly lived up to the hype, as this contest provided a ton of entertaining hockey. This included three big fights in the first nine seconds of the first period.

Tampa Bay Lightning star Brandon Hagel and Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk started the trio of scraps off. Panthers forward Sam Bennett then fought Ottawa Senators winger Brady Tkachuk before St. Louis Blues defenseman Colton Parayko and New York Rangers center J.T. Miller also dropped the gloves.

ESPN's Emily Kaplan asked Lightning head coach Jon Cooper about his thoughts on the fights, and his answer did not disappoint.

"Two passionate teams," Cooper said. "It's been a long time waiting. Ten years these guys have waited for this, and you can tell this is not an All-Star Game. This is a battle of the best of the best, and it's so fun to be a part of it."

There's no question that Cooper is correct in saying the 4 Nations Face-Off matchups are far more intense than the All-Star Game. It's why hockey fans are loving this tournament.

Cooper and Team Canada will face off against Team Finland on Feb. 17 in an incredibly crucial matchup. It will be a blast to see what happens during that contest.

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Lightning Coach Reacts To Canada & USA's 3 Big Fights