Connor McDavid's OT Winner Lifts Canada To 3-2 Victory Over The USA In The 4 Nations Face-Off Final

The 4 Nations Face-Off final did not disappoint as Team Canada defeated Team USA 3-2 in overtime. Connor McDavid scored the overtime winner, while Jordan Binnington stopped 31 of the 33 shots he faced in the championship game. As for the Vancouver Canucks connection, head coach Rick Tocchet was behind the bench for Canada, serving as an assistant coach throughout the tournament. 

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Nathan MacKinnon, who was named tournament MVP, kicked off the scoring when he beat Connor Hellebuyck less than five minutes into the first period with his fourth goal of the event. The USA answered late in the period as Brady Tkachuk scored his third of the tournament to send the two teams into the intermission tied. The second also saw two goals as Jake Sanderson and Sam Bennett each scored their first of the 4 Nations Face-Off to tie the game at two after two. 

After a back-and-forth third, which produced no goals, the game was headed to overtime. Like at the 2010 Winter Olympics, Canada once again came out on top, this time with McDavid scoring at the 8:18 mark of overtime. The goal was McDavid's third of the tournament and was assisted by Mitch Marner and Cale Makar. 

While Canada had a few standouts in this game, Binnington deserves praise for the way he played in the third period and overtime. He made 14 saves over the final 28 minutes, which included some highlight reel saves off Austin Matthews. Just like he did in 2019, Binnington stood tall and was able to deliver a championship for his team in Boston. 

As for McDavid, he finally has his memorable moment that will be talked about for generations. While he has had a spectacular career that has included five Art Ross', three Hart's and a Conn Smythe Trophy, he doesn't have a moment like Sidney Crosby, Paul Henderson or Marie-Philip Poulin. McDavid now has that moment, which will no doubt be replayed over and over for years to come. 

If the 4 Nations Face-Off proved anything, it is that there needs to be more tournaments that feature best-on-best international hockey. Not only were the players engaged, but the lead-up to Thursday's game showed just how invested Canadians became in the event. Luckily, fans will not have to wait another decade as the 2026 Winter Olympics, which will feature NHL players, is only 351 days away.

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