World-class talent, national pride and border tension turn a brand-new NHL showcase into a tournament for the ages.

Canada’s men’s hockey team defeated the USA 3-2 in overtime Thursday to capture the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off Championship as the NHL put on a show in the first edition of this midseason international tournament.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – FEBRUARY 20: Matt Boldy #12 of Team United States collides with Thomas Harley #48 of Team Canada during the first period in the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off Championship Game at TD Garden on February 20, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The result was the culmination of a midseason tournament that featured stars from Canada, Finland, Sweden and the United States — and a surprisingly political atmosphere.

Connor McDavid nets an overtime winner as Canada captures thriller vs. the USA to win the 4 Nations Face-Off Championship.

Connor McDavid scores in overtime of the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game to give Canada a 3-2 victory over the United States.

Connor McDavid scored at 8:18 of overtime to give Canada a 3-2 win and the 4 Nations Face-Off title Thursday night at a jam-packed TD Garden. Team USA, which buzzed the Canadians for the first five minutes of the extra period,

The North American rivals turned what had been a tune-up for the 2026 Olympics into an geopolitical brawl over anthems and annexation as much as international hockey supremacy.