The U.S. men’s hockey team secured a historic 3-1 victory over Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off round-robin matchup in Montrea.
This triumph also ended Sidney Crosby’s remarkable 26-game international tournament win streak while wearing the Team Canada jersey.
The intensity of the highly anticipated matchup was evident from the opening seconds, as the game erupted with physicality.
Within the first nine seconds of play, three separate fights broke out: Matthew Tkachuk squared off against Brandon Hagel, Brady Tkachuk battled Sam Bennett, and J.T. Miller engaged with Colton Parayko.
This fiery start set the tone for a fiercely contested game, ultimately ending in a milestone victory for the United States.
The entertainment took another political twist
Donald Trump had the final laugh on Saturday night following another instance of Montreal fans booing the U.S. National Anthem.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau watched the action unfold from the stands as tensions between the two teams—and the two nations—flared.
This latest showdown comes amid ongoing friction between the neighboring countries, heightened by President Trump’s recent remarks and policy threats. Trump had proposed imposing tariffs on Canada and stirred further controversy by suggesting the nation could be absorbed as America’s “51st state.”
The hostile atmosphere was evident from the start, as the Montreal crowd once again jeered during the performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Public address announcer Michel Lacroix made an appeal in both French and English, urging fans to show respect for the national anthems and the athletes representing each country.
Despite his request, the crowd’s response underscored the simmering tensions between the two sides, adding another layer of drama to an already fiery contest.
The U.S. clinched a spot in the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game on Thursday in Boston.
Canada will fill the other spot if it beats Finland in regulation on Monday or with an overtime win if Sweden doesn’t beat the U.S. in regulation.
