The 4 Nations Face-Off has been a mid-season treat to Hockey fans all over the country. The event takes the best NHL players from each country and separates them into four teams: the United States, Canada, Finland, and Sweden.

With the NHL having a very diverse player pool, it creates a star-studded lineup of players for each country.

Canada opened the face-off with a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory over Sweden, while the United States dominated Finland 6-1 in their first game. This set up a thrilling Saturday night matchup between the United States and Canada. The U.S. was highlighted by the Tkachuk brothers: Matthew and Brady. Team Canada had the unanimous best player in the league Connor McDavid, along with future Hall of Famer Sidney Crosby.

Right puck drop the two teams showed hostility against each other. There were three fights in the first nine minutes of the game. The anticipation of the game skyrocketed from there.

Canada got the scoring started in the first period with a McDavid goal. United States center Jake Guentzel responded quickly with a goal of his own to tie things up at the end of the period.

After both teams continuously dominated on defense in the second period, the United States broke the scoreless streak with Dylan Larkin connecting on a goal to make it 2-1.

Both teams continued to fight it out. Canada had a lot of opportunities in the third period but couldn’t put it through the net.

With three minutes left in the third period Canada pulled its goalie in an attempt to have an advantage on offense. They still couldn’t convert as Guentzel scored on an open net.

The United States won 3-1 with Guentzel winning player of the game. The win in regulation secures a spot in the championship for the United States on Thursday.

Canada will have to prevail in the standings versus Sweden and Finland for a championship rematch versus The United States. All three teams are tied at two points in the standings as of Saturday night.

The 4 Nations Face-Off is great for the sport of hockey. You can’t ask for much more than a primetime slot showcasing the nations best players in a competitive atmosphere. The event unites pride for one’s nation with bragging rights amongst the players and the fans at stake. The event only comes every four years, but I don’t think fans would mind if it happened every year.