MacKinnon gives Team Canada early lead at 4 Nations Face-Off final

Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon put Team Canada up early against Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off final. MacKinnon scored his fourth of the tourney with assists going to Thomas Harley and Sam Reinhart.

Here’s a look at the goal:

MacKinnon’s shot through traffic managed to beat Team USA starting goaltender Connor Hellebuyck over his right shoulder. Looking at the replay, it appears that Hellebuyck did not see the shot. So, MacKinnon’s shot was able to find the top corner, giving Canada the early lead.

For MacKinnon, it’s a measure of personal revenge as Hellebuyck has shut down MacKinnon and his Colorado Avalanche teammates this season. With plenty of hockey left to go, Team Canada will be looking to add to the lead.

The Canadian squad hopes to get revenge on its American counterparts after losing their first matchup of the 4 Nations Face-Off 3-1 last Saturday night. That game does not matter now as Thursday night’s winner takes the tournament title and the bragging rights that come win winning the first best-on-best competition since the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

MacKinnon, Team Canada pull out impressive victory at 4 Nations Face-Off final

Nathan MacKinnon and Team Canada pulled out an impressive 3-2 overtime win in what was one of the best international games in recent memory. Canada’s victory on Connor McDavid’s goal evoked memories of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics in which Sidney Crosby scored the golden goal to give Canada the win over the United States.

Since then, there hasn’t been an international game that has drawn as much hype as Thursday night’s 4 Nations Face-Off win. The 2014 Games in Sochi, while a best-on-best tournament, didn’t have nearly as much hype as the 2010 final.

As such, Thursday night’s Canadian victory has rekindled the fire of international competition among hockey fans across the globe. The tourney set the stage for what figures to be a highly-anticipated 2026 Games at Milano Cortina.

Team USA will be looking to avenge its 4 Nations loss while claiming its first Olympic gold since the Miracle on Ice team of 1980.

Of course, MacKinnon and Canada will have something to say about that. Regardless of who prevails in Milano Cortina, the expectation is that the Olympics, including top players from Russia, Czechia, and other nations like Slovakia, Germany, and Slovenia will provide a unique spectacle.

As a fan, it will be hard to wait an entire calendar year for the 2026 Olympics. Fortunately, time passes by quickly, especially with the NHL postseason just around the corner. There will be plenty to keep everyone glued to their TVs and phones as this season heads into its stretch run.