The NHL 4 Nations Face-Off has reached its boiling point, and the United States has emerged as the first team to secure a place in the championship game after a hard-fought victory over Canada. The intense showdown, filled with drama, goals, and even a few heated exchanges, has set the stage for an electrifying final day of round-robin play.
In a game that lived up to its hype, the U.S. squad delivered a standout performance, defeating Canada 3-1 at Montreal’s Bell Centre. Jake Guentzel was the hero of the night, netting two goals, including a clutch empty-netter to seal the deal. Dylan Larkin also made his presence felt with a goal and an assist, showcasing the depth of the American lineup. The game wasn’t just about skill, though—it was also a physical battle, with three fights breaking out almost immediately after the puck dropped, setting the tone for a gritty, no-holds-barred contest.
Earlier in the day, Finland kept their championship hopes alive with a thrilling 4-3 overtime win against Sweden. Mikael Granlund played the role of overtime hero, scoring the game-winner and keeping Finland in the hunt for a spot in the finals.
Current Standings and What’s Next
With the tournament’s unique three-point standings system, the United States has already clinched their place in the championship game, scheduled for Thursday night at Boston’s TD Garden. Their dominant performance so far has made them the team to beat.
As for the other three teams—Canada, Finland, and Sweden—the race for the second spot in the championship game is wide open. All three teams are currently tied with two points each, but their paths to the finals differ. Canada and Finland have both secured overtime wins but also carry regulation losses (both falling to the U.S.). Sweden, on the other hand, has two overtime losses but remains in contention thanks to their gritty play.
The final day of pool play on Monday promises to be a nail-biter. Here’s what’s on the schedule:
- Canada vs. Finland at noon Central time: This game is a must-watch, as both teams are fighting for a chance to advance. A regulation win by either team would secure their spot in the championship game.
- United States vs. Sweden at 7 p.m. Central time: While the U.S. has already advanced, Sweden will be playing for pride and a slim chance to sneak into the finals if the earlier game goes to overtime.
Tiebreaker Scenarios
If two teams end up tied in the standings, the NHL’s tiebreaker rules will come into play, prioritizing head-to-head results. For example, if Canada and Finland tie in their matchup, Sweden could still advance with a regulation win over the U.S. However, if Canada or Finland wins in regulation, they’ll punch their ticket to the championship game.
