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The fierce rivalry between the United States and Canada flared up dramatically on Saturday in the 4 Nations Face-off, as the two teams clashed in an intense hockey matchup for the first time since the 2022 Olympics. The highly anticipated game saw tensions boil over quickly, with three separate fights breaking out within the opening nine seconds of play.
United States vs Canada 4 Nations Face-off
The action kicked off in explosive fashion, with Team USA's Matthew Tkachuk and Team Canada's Brandon Hagel exchanging blows just two seconds after the puck drop. The two were immediately in each other's faces, dropping the gloves and engaging in a heated fight before the game even fully began.
Not wanting to be left out, Tkachuk's brother, Brady Tkachuk, wasted no time as just one second after play resumed, Brady Tkachuk squared off with Canada's Sam Bennett, adding another fight to the already chaotic start.
Then, as the game progressed, a scrum around Canada's goal led to yet another altercation. This time, American JT Miller and Canada's Colton Parayko tangled, further intensifying the physicality of the contest.
Matthew Tkachuk started the fight
Speaking to Sportsnet during the first intermission, Brandon Hagel explained the origins of the altercation. According to Hagel, it was Matthew Tkachuk who instigated the fight by asking him before the game if he was ready to start things off with a physical battle.
Just try to get some energy into the building, Hagel said. He asked, and I’m not backing down from him.
The atmosphere was certainly charged, especially with the home crowd of passionate Canadian fans, who loudly booed during the U.S. national anthem, adding fuel to the already heated emotions on the ice.
Saturday's game was significant not only for its fiery start but also for being the first meeting between the two teams in a decade featuring full NHL rosters. The rivalry had been put on hold in recent Olympic Games, with both Team USA and Team Canada sending youth and non-NHL players to the 2018 and 2022 Olympics due to the NHL pulling its players from the tournaments.
This game was part of the 4 Nations Face-off tournament, which also includes Sweden and Finland. The tournament features a round-robin format, followed by a final between the top two teams.
Connor McDavid opened the scoring for Canada just five minutes into the game, skating past the U.S. defense to give his team a 1-0 lead. However, the Americans quickly responded with Jake Guentzel scoring the equalizer, assisted by Jack Eichel.
In the second period, USA's Dylan Larkin capitalized on a chance to give the Americans a 2-1 lead. Canada fought back, pulling goaltender Jordan Binnington in the final two minutes in a desperate attempt to find an equalizer. But it was Guentzel who sealed the win for the U.S., scoring an empty-net goal to secure a 3-1 victory.
With the win, the United States has clinched a spot in the 4 Nations Face-off final.
