Canada to face USA in 4 Nations Face-Off Championship

The 4 Nations Face-Off comes down to the matchup the NHL world wanted in the championship game, as Canada takes on the United States for the title.

In a tournament with no history and nothing on the line but bragging rights and national pride, the 4 Nations Face-Off has delivered. Now, the clear top two hockey nations in the world will face off in a winner-take-all championship on Thursday night.

Fans got a taste of Canada vs. USA in the round robin stage of the tournament on Saturday in Montreal, a 3-1 victory for the Americans that began with three fights in nine seconds. Team USA rebounded from Connor McDavid’s first period goal with three unanswered, including two from Jake Guentzel, to clinch their place in the championship game.

Canada defenceman Cale Makar did not play in the game due to an illness, but the 2022 Conn Smythe Trophy winner will be active for the championship game.

Canada then needed a regulation victory over Finland on Monday to guarantee a place in the title game, which they got with a 5-3 triumph.

After losing round one vs. the Americans, it’s safe to say Canada wants another crack at their neighbors to the south.

“We want them again,” Canada centre Sam Bennett said, per Sportsnet. “It’s the greatest rivalry in hockey.”

Bennett, along with Brandon Hagel and Colton Parayko, were the three Canadians to drop gloves in the first nine seconds of Saturday’s game.

It remains to be seen if the players will scrap to start the championship game. Either way, expect a thrilling, back-and-forth affair in Boston on Thursday night.

The U.S. is slightly favoured on the money line at -115, with Canada a -105 shot to lift the trophy.

How to watch 4 Nations Face-Off Championship in Canada

Canada vs. USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off championship will air on Sportsnet and TVA Sports in Canada.

Streaming will be available on Sportsnet+.

4 Nations Face-Off Championship date, start time and venue

Canada vs. USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off championship will begin at 8 PM ET on Thursday, February 20 from TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.

Odds displayed within this article were correct at the time of writing and are subject to change.

David Schneidman

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