This year, the NHL started The Four Nations Face-Off in place of the all-star game.

The Four Nations Face-Off happened February 12–20. USA, Canada, Finland, and Sweden were involved in this event.  The game was played in Montreal, Canada, and Boston, Massachusetts. Team USA finished second in the event after losing 3-2 in overtime against Team Canada on February 20, 2025. 

In the first nine seconds, Team USA started three fights involving Matthew and Brady Tkachuk, and J.T. Miller. The fights started as early motivation for Team USA but ended up working against them in the long run. Team USA ended up losing 2-3 in overtime.

Nathan MacKinnon, 4:48 into the first period, drilled a slap shot into Team USA’s net and had two assists. At 16 minutes, 52 seconds into the game, Brady Tkachuk annihilated the puck, sending that bad boy straight into the net. 

When the third period rolled around, no goals were scored. However, it was a nail-biter; everyone was on the edge of their seats waiting for one team to make a goal. Both teams had several goal attempts but failed at scoring. 

At 8:18 in overtime, Connor McDavid scored the most underwhelming winning point for Team Canada. During overtime, Team USA had several attempts at scoring, but Canada stole the point from them in the end. I was truly heartbroken when I witnessed Canada score the final goal. 

As an American, the absolute betrayal of Nathan MacKinnon, Martin Necas, and Cale Makar, all Colorado Avalanche players, playing for Team Canada was like a stab through the heart.

I’m hoping that next year Team USA will defeat Canada.