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MONTREAL — Welcome to the 4 Nations Face-Off. The United States defeats Canada 3-1 in the second half of the Saturday doubleheader at Bell Centre after Finland defeated Sweden 4-3 in overtime this afternoon. NHL.com Editor-in-Chief Bill Price was high atop the arena to provide all the sights, sounds and highlights from the game.
10:58 p.m. ET
It’s all over here. The U.S. wins and clinches a spot in the final in Boston on Thursday.
They way I see it, if either Canada or Finland wins in regulation Monday against each other, they get back to the final game.
Oh boy.
Thanks for reading and see you all in Boston.
10:56 p.m. ET
The U.S. takes a 3-1 lead on an empty-net goal from NHL.com blogger Jake Guentzel. That’s his second of the night and third for the tournament.
Now the tournament goes to Boston, we all do.
The U.S. is already in the title game on Thursday, with Canada, Sweden and Finland trying to get there.
The teams are flying to Boston tonight because of a snowstorm hitting Montreal and all are supposed to practice tomorrow, so follow NHL.com for all the news.
10:52 p.m. ET
We have 2:54 left and the U.S. leads 2-1 and Canada is desperately looking for a goal.
It’s hard to believe Canada could play two games in Montreal and not win either in regulation, but that is how it’s looking.
But it’s not over yet.
The night does appear over for Matthew Tkachuk. He was seen on TV telling the coaching staff he’s done for the night.
10:46 p.m. ET
Canada keeps pressing but Connor Hellebuyck is up for the challenge. He just stopped a Connor McDavid shot from the slot and time is ticking here in Montreal.
As Nick Cotsonika said, the anger from the Canada crowd has turned to angst with 7:24 left and Canada down 2-1.
OK, now they are pulling out all the stops here to get Canada going, introducing Carey Price, which got the crowd going.
And there is bad news for the U.S.A, with Matthew Tkachuk apparently done for the night. I didn’t see what happend to Tkahcuk, but he may be done for the night.
10:40 p.m. ET
Jordan Binnington kept the U.S. from expanding its lead when he robbed Matt Boldy on the doorstep with 11:44 left.
it was the first U.S. threat in quite some time.
They just showed P.K. Subban and Mark Messier on the big board and of course the fans here in Canada loved it. So if you are keeping score, P.K. good, “Stranger Things” kid bad.
The “Let’s Go Canada” chants have started again, but there is more of a desperate tone to them. Canada’s Sam Bennett just tried to get his team doing with a big hit on Jaccob Slavin, and the crowd is fired up.
10:35 p.m. ET
We are under 13 minutes left and Canada is desperately looking for the equalizer, trailing 2-1.
Remember, if the US wins in regulation, it clinches a spot in the final game, and Canada would need to beat Finland in regulation on Monday to likely get there.
But we still have lots of time left, so nothing is decided.
10:27 p.m. ET
We have about 16 minutes left and it’s still 2-1 U.S.
The hitting has picked up again, but this time it’s Canada’s Thomas Harley laying out Jack Hughes with a clean hit.
Canada is trying to get the tying goal, but it’s mostly shots from the outside, nothing from high-danger areas. Give credit the U.S. defensemen, who are keeping the talented Canadians at bay.
Canada is outshooting the U.S. 20-18, but it’s 2-1 on the scoreboard and you tell this Canada crowd is getting a big antsy.
10:20 p.m. ET
And here we go. Twenty minutes left in this epic U.S.-Canada game.
The big talking points up in the press box to this point – besides the fights – are what has gotten into Charlie McAvoy.
He has laid a few hits on Connor McDavid and is really personifying what the U.S. effort is about tonight.
We are in for a big finish here.
10:05 p.m. ET
We are through two periods and the U.S. leads 2-1.
The crowd is trying to get Canada going, but the U.S. has done a goob of keeping the Canada offense to the outside.
The U.S. is playing tough – J.T. Miller just blocked a shot and the whole U.S. bench hit their sticks against the boards in approval.
Will be interesting to see if Canada tries to open it up a little bit more the get thie game tied.
Right now Dylan Larkin has the go-ahead goal. How about this nugget from NHLstats?
Larkin’s only other point at an NHL International Tournament was an assist on Johnny Gaudreau’s game-winning goal for Team North America vs. Finland at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. USA is presenting a Gaudreau jersey to its team-selected player of the game at 4 Nations Face-Off.
9:54 p.m. ET
Fly, Free Bird, Fly.
Dylan Larkin has given the U.S. a 2-1 lead with an absolute perfect wrist shot over the pads of Jordan Binnington at 13:33.
He came in on a 2-on-1 with J.T. Miller, but instead of passing it, fired it past Larkin and suddenly there is an air of concern in the building.
Not only is the U.S. going toe-to-toe with Canada, but Connor Hellebuyck is looking like Vezina winner Connor Hellebuyck.
Now, can the U.S. hold the lead or even build on it in the final 5:43 of the second period?
9:46 p.m. ET
The “Let’s Go Canada” chants have picked up as the crowd is trying to get its boys going. After a rip-roaring first period, things have certainly settled down here so far in the second.
I mean, it’s hard to keep up that pace for an entire game, right?
Speaking of pace, Roarke is now up to nine hot dogs and Gulitti – by my count – is at seven. I had one more but only because I wanted Stubbs to see me smother it with Heinz ketchup before I ate it.
9:36 p.m. ET
Dylan Larkin just had a shot to give the US the lead, but he hit the post on the doorstep and we are still tied.
The fans are really into this game. It seems like the booing of the players has stopped and now they are into the game.
And why not? It’s been an absolute classic.
They did just boo the kid from “Stranger Things.”
9:25 p.m. ET
We are back for the second period, and if the next 40 minutes are like the first 20, whoa boy.
I look back now, even just a few weeks ago, to the people who wondered if this would be just a glorified All-Star Game. Well, what do you have to say now?
These players are putting it all on the line for their country and it’s been amazing.
And we are really only halfway through. We have three more games to play in Boston after this one, and who knows, we could get another U.S.-Canada game in the final.
9:09 p.m. ET
The first period is over and what a period it was.
Three fights in the first nine seconds, a highlight-reel goal from Connor McDavid, a few punishing hits on McDavid from Charlie McAvoy, 15 shots on goal and one goal from each side.
They are heading to the rooms and the media are charging to get on the hot dog line.
9:01 p.m. ET
The U.S. went on the power play with Sidney Crosby going off for hooking.
This came a few seconds after Charlie McAvoy laid another huge hit on Connor McDavid. Man, he is fired up tonight.
As the power play started, the DJ played “The Enemy” by Green Day. Everyone is getting into the act here.
The U.S. had a golden chance when Jake Guentzel got a rebound in front, but Binnington made perhaps his biggest save of the tournament.
A few seconds later Auston Matthews appeared to have an open net but missed wide.
Brady Tkachuk just welcomed Drew Doughty to the party with a big hit behind the boards.
The U.S certainly came to play tonight, but it just took a penalty and now Canada is back on the power play with 3:13 left.
8:51 p.m. ET
NHL.com blogger Jake Guentzel has just tied things up, beatting Jordan Binnington from a sharp angle.
The goal came about a minute after Charlie McAvoy absolutely crushed Connor McDavid against the boards in the offensive zone. McAvoy is hitting everything and anything that moves and if you’re keeping score has a big hit on Sidney Crosby and McDavid.
This place is abssolutey nuts.
8:47 p.m. ET
There is an absolute buzz in this place during the first shovel timeout.
Right after the timeout, Dylan Larkin bumped Jordan Binnington in the crease, but no whistle. The refs have done a good job getting this game under control after the fight-filled start.
I think the penalty to J.T. Miller sent a message to everyone to cut it out and play hockey.
That’s not to say these guys aren’t hitting, but maybe the fisticuffs will stop. We’ll see.
8:38 p.,m. ET
Connor McDavid has made the keynote address, scoring on a gorgeous move at 5:31, beating Hellebuyck with an eye-popping backhand after getting past Zach Werenski and Charlie McAvoy.
The assists for the goal go to Drew Doughty and goalile Jordan Binnington. That’s some combo.
Things have calmed down here a bit. We haven’t had a fight in about five minutes.
But they are still hitting each other and now the Tkachuks have been sprung from the box, so stay tuned.
They were booed on their way to the U.S. bench.
The crowd of course is loving this, cheering every hit, shot, save, whistle.
8:33 p.m. ET
The result of all the fights is a Canada power play with J.T. Miller getting an extra two minutes.
Charlie McAvoy even got into the act on the penalty kill, drlling both Sidney Crosby and Sam Reinhart.
These boys are ornery tonight.
The U.S. killed the penalty by the way.
8:30 p.m.ET
We’ve played nine seconds and we’ve had three rights, the last one featuring J.T. Miller of the U.S. and Colton Parayko of Canada.
The penalty boxes are almost full and we are not even 10 seconds in.
8:27 p.m. ET
OMG, the roof is about to blow off this place.
As soon the opening face-off took place, Matthew Tkachuk and Brandon Hagel dropped the gloves and had a good old slugfest.
Just an insane start to this one.
And now Brady Tkachuk and Sam Bennett are fighting. That’s two Tkachuks off the ice just three seconds into the game.
We are two seconds in an it’s an instant classic.
8:24 p.m. ET
Finally, the waiting is over. The U.S. and Canada have dropped the puck to start the second game of this historic day in Montreal.
As expected, the fans here in Montreal didn’t exactly sing along with the U.S. anthem and I’ll leave it at that.
Heck, they even booed Olympic skater Michele Kwan, who introduced the U.S. team.
Then it got even crazier in here when UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre introduced the Canada team.
Of course, they all sang the Canadian anthem as loud as possible.
Then the fans starting cheering, “CANADA, CANADA” as loud as possible.
What unfolds over the next three periods (maybe more) will be remembered for ages in each country.
I know one thing I won’t forget is the stairs here in Bell Centre. The way the press box is set up, you need to climb a big flight of stairs to get out of the press box and then go down another flight of stairs to get to the media meal area.
So when you want to go back to the press box, it’s up the stairs and down the stairs again.
I think the fans of both countries have finally found a common bond: Kiss.
After warmups, the DJ played “I Was Made for Loving You” by Kiss, and at one point he turned the music off and the whole crowd sang the chorus. I think NHL.com editor Brian Compton may be here.
8:10 p.m. ET
Here are the starting lineups for tonight
for the U.S.
Brady Tkachuk — Jack Eichel — Matthew Tkachuk at forward
Charlie McAvoy — Zach Werenski on D
Hellebuyck between the pipes
Once again, Chris Kreider and Jake Sanderson are scartched.
For Canada
Brayden Point – Brandon Hagel — Anthony Cirelli (all Lightning players) at forward
Colton Parayko and Josh Morrissey on defense
Jordan Binnington in goal
Travis Konecny is scratched and Cale Makar is out with an injury.
7:58 p.m. ET
Like the other night when Canada played Sweden, all fans have some sort of red light in their seats, so expect to see plenty of red tonight. I mean, there is already plenty of red with a huge amount of Canada jerseys in the crowd, but now it will be ever redder, or more red.
Warmups are over, the players are back in the room making their final preparations and we are about 20 minutes from one of the most anticipated hockey games in recent memory.
The last two players to leave the ice were Auston Matthews for the U.S. and Brad Marchand for Canada. Two guys who are not exactly fan favorites in Montreal during the regular NHL season, but they love Marchand now.
Matthews, well …
I just looked up and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is being interviewed on TVA Sports wearing a Canada jersey. Again, I’ll reserve comment.
7:50 p.m. ET
The fans have come ready to boo the U.S. players and they are also armed with signs.
One fan has a sign that says the U.S. is Tariffied. No comment.
It’s likely that Chris Kreider and Jake Sanderson will be the scratches for the U.S. tonight, but it’s hard to tell because they are both on the ice for warmups. Coach Mike Sullivan did the same thing on Thursday, having all 20 skaters on the ice.
Hey, guess what, the fans are booing Auston Matthews, who is up the big screen.
They then let out a huge cheer when a photo of Sidney Crosby appeared and now they are chanting “Crosby, Crosby, Crosby.”
Now “Mr. Brightside” by the Killers is playing over the sound system. Nothing like a nice, catchy depressing song to get you ready for hockey.
7:42 p.m. ET
Warmups have begun and so have the boo birds.
In fact, the crowd starting booing as soon as the U.S. players started coming out the locker room. Heck, they’re even booing fans in the crowd wearing U.S. gear.
The video board guy is doing a great job getting the fans riled up, first showing U.S. players and then Canada players.
Anyway, this place is already nuts and we are still about 40 minutes from puck drop.
Though it appears as if a lot of fans are still somewhere outside “preparing” for the game, the folks already in their seats let the U.S. players know how the fans here in Canada feel about them.
Auston Matthews is doubly despised up here – he’s American and plays for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Thomas Harley story is really a fascinating one. He was born in Syracuse, New York, but has dual citizenship, so he plays for Canada. He hasn’t yet skated with his Canadian teammates and may only play in this one game if Cale Makar can go Monday.
Hard to imagine what he’s feeling right now.
7:40 p.m.
The DJ has thrown down the gauntlet early, playing “Tom Sawyer” by Rush. If we get through the night without hearing Nickelback or the Tragically Hip, it will be a win for the U.S. no matter the score. Rush I can deal with. Maybe we’ll get some Anne Murray next.
Speaking of overplayed songs, I’ve heard the “Good Ol’ Hockey Game” song about five times in the past four days. I’ve had enough.
Anyway.
Talk about dedication.
Me and Dan Rosen went to the Starbucks across the street from Bell Centre and we met a guy who took a 13-hour bus ride from Maryland to watch the U.S.-Canada game tonight and then he’s hopping back on another 13-hour bus ride tonight.
And get this, he was wearing a Finland jersey, but he’s from Sweden. His name was Michael and he’s a huge Sidney Crosby fan and Penguins fan.
Incredible.
In fact, Dan Rosen was quite the celebrity in Starbucks. Some other guy recognized him from “a podcast” but had no idea who his co-host Shawn Roarke was. Shawn was not happy.
7:20 p.m.
We have major news here tonight: Cale Makar will not play for Canada because of an illness.
That’s big blow for Canada, which is already without Shea Theodore, who got hurt in the opener. That means Thomas Harley will play for Canada. Harley was actually born in the United States, but he is a dual citizen, so he plays for the maple leaf tonight.
Just a reminder of what’s at stake tonight. If the U.S. wins in regulation, it clinches a spot in the 4 Nations championship game on Thursday.
If the U.S doesn’t win in regulation, then all four teams head to Boston with a chance to reach the final or be eliminated on Monday when Canada plays Finland and the U.S. plays Sweden.
I would hope Makar is better by then to play for Canada. Knowing how tough these guys are, he must be really, really sick. Hope he feels better.
7:15 p.m. ET – Countdown to an Epic Clash in Montreal
We’re just about an hour away from what promises to be an unforgettable showdown here in Montreal. Canada has dominated international hockey since the U.S. last claimed glory at the 1996 World Cup—but this year, Team USA believes it’s their time. With perhaps the most stacked roster in American history, they’re ready to challenge Canada’s reign.
But Canada isn’t backing down. They still see themselves as the kings of the hockey world, and tonight, they’re out to prove it on home ice.
In any other setting, this would already be a marquee battle. But here in Montreal, the stakes feel even higher. The atmosphere is electric, and the crowd is fiercely pro-Canada—just ask Auston Matthews, who was showered with boos during the U.S. matchup against Finland on Thursday. Expect a hostile environment, but don’t be surprised if Team USA feeds off the energy.
Beyond the rivalry, this game has massive implications for the 4 Nations Tournament. A regulation win for the U.S. would punch their ticket to the final in Boston on Thursday, making them the only team with a chance to secure a spot tonight. That means every squad will head to Boston still in contention—no one’s backing into the final.
The big question remains: Will Cale Makar play? The superstar defenseman missed practice yesterday due to illness and remains a game-time decision. If I had to bet, I’d say he suits up—but we’ll have to wait and see.
I’ll check back in at warmups. Buckle up, this one’s going to be special. 🏒🔥
