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Canada Advances to 4 Nations Face-Off Final Against the U.S.
Canada has secured its place in the final of the 4 Nations Face-Off, setting the stage for an anticipated matchup against the United States. In a thrilling semi-final against Finland, Canada triumphed with a score of 5-3, powered by strong performances from key players.
Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon made significant contributions by scoring just 46 seconds apart in the first period. Brayden Point opened the scoring, followed by MacKinnon’s second goal early in the second period. Sidney Crosby capped off the game with an empty-netter in the final moments. Jordan Binnington, in goal, recorded 23 saves throughout the match.
In addition to the goals, McDavid and Crosby both provided assists, garnering two points each. Cale Makar made his return to the lineup after missing a game due to illness, further strengthening Canada’s defense. Meanwhile, Sam Reinhart stood out with three assists.
Finland’s Mikael Granlund made a notable impact, scoring two goals, with Esa Lindell adding another to the Finnish tally. However, Finnish goaltender Kevin Lankinen struggled, conceding four goals on 13 shots before being replaced by Juuse Saros, who made 14 saves.
The U.S. team faced Sweden later that day in a game with no bearing on the standings. Previously, they had defeated Canada 3-1 in a rugged contest characterized by its intense start, including several fights.
A Return to International Competition
The 4 Nations Face-Off is marked as a significant return of NHL players to international-level competition, acting as an important precursor to the upcoming Winter Olympics. After participating in five consecutive Olympic Games from 1998 to 2014, the NHL skipped the 2018 Games for financial reasons and missed 2022 due to COVID-19 complications.
Notably, before Monday’s game, the Canadian national anthem was met with boos from sections of the crowd at TD Garden. This was seen as a response to prior incidents where the U.S. anthem faced similar treatment, highlighting the ongoing tensions in fan sentiments regarding international rivalries.
McDavid initiated the scoring early in the first period, taking advantage of a turnover by Roope Hintz. After McDavid’s opening goal, MacKinnon doubled the lead swiftly, and Point added a third goal, establishing a strong Canadian presence in the game.
Netminder Binnington came into the matchup buoyed by his previous performances despite some dissatisfaction with earlier results against the U.S. He showcased resilience in critical moments, especially when facing multiple Finnish chances to score.
Coaching Decisions
Canadian head coach Jon Cooper noted that starting Binnington was an easy decision, acknowledging the goalie’s solid performance. Cooper stated, “He’s given us a chance to win… If you can limit an opponent to two goals or less in a game, it should give you a chance to win.”
Team Adjustments
Makar’s return to the lineup after missing a game against the U.S. was vital for the Canadian defense. The team had previously brought in alternate Thomas Harley due to player absences, ensuring they maintained a strong defensive front.
As anticipation builds for the final showdown against the United States, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Canada can capture the title and make a strong statement ahead of the Olympics.
Source
globalnews.ca