Four Nations Final Game

By: Madeline Bailey

Best on best tournament between the USA, Canada, Finland and Sweden.

We are now at the end of the tournament final game for gold. Canada finds itself in Boston fighting for gold against the United States. Anticipation is felt across North america. Over 16 million people are watching this game (NHL.com). The Canadian anthem was booed, the American anthem was booed. After a devastating loss in the previous match up, Canadians wanted revenge and Americans wanted to prove their superiority in the game. But they forgot that Canada is the best for a reason. In the first period, Canada strikes first, Nathan MacKinnon scoring in the first five minutes giving Canada the 1-0 lead (NHL25). But the USA wasn't going to make it an easy win. Auston Matthews scores on Canada's net making the score 1-1 (NHL25). This fast paced game was incredible to watch. At the end of the first period Canada regains the lead. Sidney Crosby makes the score 2-1 in Canada's favor (NHL25). The crowd is roaring. Crosby is Canada's golden child of hockey. This superstar is soon due to retire, so it was amazing that he could play best on best with young incredible athletes and make a significant impact on the game. The USA was not prepared to lose on home ice so they came back fighting. In the second period, Mathew Kathcuck drove the puck in the back of Canada's net tying the game 2-2 (NHL25). The rest of the second period was a battle. America's defensive power shut down any offensive play by Canada. Everyone watching the game had their fingers crossed, sitting on the edge of their seats. Luckily in the 3rd period Canada's offensive powers came together making a beautiful play. Mitch Marner rips the puck to Brad Marchand when it lands in the end of the net. This crisp play lands Canada a beautiful 3-2 lead (NHL25). The rest of the third period is played end to end with lots of contact. With one minute left in the game, Canada and all those watching knew it would be an easy win. With 18 seconds left on the clock, USA was in our zone. Brady Katchuck tips the puck into our net, the score is now 3-3 (NHL25). The timer hits zero, this game is going into overtime. Overtime is sudden death - the next goal wins. Canada's goalie Jordan Binnington keeps us in. making multiple incredible saves. It is safe to say that in our hearts, he was the MVP of the night. Skating end to end, shots on both nets left and right, it was anybody's game. Nathan MacKinnon breaks into the Americans end, and just as their defensive powers catch up, he makes a smooth pass to Connor McDavid who shoots the puck five hole winning the game for Canada (NHL25). The stress is now over, Canada wins! Connor scoring a historic goal that will be remembered for years to come. Bringing home gold was imperative because it was more than just a game. With tariffs and threats of being the 51st state, it felt like this win was necessary to prove we wouldn't go down without a fight.