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| USA Triumphs Over Canada 3-1 in 4 Nations Face-Off: Key Highlights and Reactions |
The United States secured a historic 3-1 victory over Canada in men’s hockey, marking their first win in a best-on-best matchup since the group stage of the 2010 Winter Olympics. The triumph, achieved in Montreal, ensures the U.S. a place in the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game in Boston on Thursday.
Game Highlights:
An intense start saw three fights erupt in the opening nine seconds.
Connor McDavid put Canada ahead early in the first period.
Jake Guentzel responded with a tying goal midway through the first.
Dylan Larkin scored in the second period, giving the U.S. their first lead.
Guentzel secured the win with a late empty-net goal, cementing the final score.
Cale Makar was sidelined due to illness, replaced by Thomas Harley.
Matthew Tkachuk exited the game in the third period with a lower-body injury.
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| USA Triumphs Over Canada 3-1 in 4 Nations Face-Off: Key Highlights and Reactions |
Larkin’s Standout Performance in the Second Period
Dylan Larkin began the tournament as the U.S. fourth-line right wing, but his performance against Canada proved he belongs in a more prominent role.
Elevated to the third-line center position, Larkin delivered a dynamic second period. He narrowly missed an opportunity to score early on, hitting the left post after a slick inside-out move against Jordan Binnington.
However, Larkin redeemed himself later in the period. After Matt Boldy intercepted a Sidney Crosby pass, Larkin and J.T. Miller capitalized on a two-on-one rush. With only Travis Sanheim back for Canada, Larkin aggressively took the shot himself, firing the puck past Binnington to give the U.S. a crucial 2-1 lead.
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| USA Triumphs Over Canada 3-1 in 4 Nations Face-Off: Key Highlights and Reactions |
Steady Presence from Jaccob Slavin
Jaccob Slavin may not boast the offensive prowess of Zach Werenski, but his steady defensive play was vital for the U.S. Slavin led the American skaters in ice time through two periods with 17:28. His disciplined positioning and strong stick play allowed him to be on the ice for both of Team USA’s goals.
McDavid vs. McAvoy: A Fierce Battle
Connor McDavid’s speed was on full display in the first period. After receiving an outlet pass from Drew Doughty, McDavid accelerated past Charlie McAvoy and lifted a backhand shot over Connor Hellebuyck to open the scoring.
McAvoy, however, did not back down. Later in the period, he countered with a hard hip check that knocked McDavid off balance and followed up with a shove to the ice. He continued his physical play by delivering another hard hit along the boards, setting the tone for the rest of the matchup. Alongside Werenski, McAvoy was tasked with containing McDavid’s line, which included Sam Reinhart and Mitch Marner.
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| USA Triumphs Over Canada 3-1 in 4 Nations Face-Off: Key Highlights and Reactions |
Binnington’s Costly Mistake
Jake Guentzel’s game-tying goal came from a relatively routine shot, but Jordan Binnington failed to make the stop. After receiving a clean pass from Jack Eichel, Guentzel fired a 22-foot shot from outside the left dot that somehow slipped through Binnington’s pads. The goal proved to be a turning point in the game, shifting momentum in favor of the Americans.
Eichel, who set up the goal, was instrumental in the play. His defensive awareness allowed him to strip Devon Toews of the puck before swiftly carrying it through the neutral zone, setting up Guentzel for the critical equalizer.
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| USA Triumphs Over Canada 3-1 in 4 Nations Face-Off: Key Highlights and Reactions |
Game Statistics:
Final Score: USA 3, Canada 1
Shots on Goal: USA 23, Canada 26
Faceoff Win Percentage: USA 52%, Canada 48%
Power Plays: USA 0/1, Canada 0/2
Penalty Minutes: USA 19, Canada 17
Hits: USA 34, Canada 29
Blocked Shots: USA 15, Canada 17
McDavid’s Post-Game Comments:
Connor McDavid reflected on the loss, emphasizing the intensity of the game. “It was fast, tight-checking, competitive, emotional. It had everything you’d want in a hockey game. It’s disappointing it didn’t go our way, but this thing is far from over.”
Tkachuk’s Injury Status
U.S. head coach Mike Sullivan confirmed that Matthew Tkachuk is being evaluated for a lower-body injury. Sullivan did not specify whether Tkachuk would play in Monday’s game or be rested in preparation for the championship on Thursday.
With their sights set on the title, Team USA will look to build on this victory as they prepare for the championship showdown in Boston.
