The United States secured a spot in the tournament final with a 3-1 victory over Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off hockey event. Dylan Larkin scored the go-ahead goal in the second period, while Jake Guentzel added two goals, including one into an empty net.
Connor McDavid replied for Canada, but they were missing star defenceman Cale Makar due to illness. The U.S. clinched six points with a second consecutive regulation victory and will compete against Sweden in Monday’s games at TD Garden.
The rivalry reached new heights as the teams played with intensity and physicality from the start. A total of three fights broke out within nine seconds, setting the tone for an electric matchup. The game finally subsided to hockey, with players on both sides finishing every check with punishing vigour.
Canada pulled goalie Jordan Binnington with under two minutes left in regulation, but Guentzel iced the win into an empty net. The U.S. anthem was booed before puck drop and again during the game, reflecting the ongoing tensions between the two countries.
The NHL’s return to the Olympics next year is marked by this round-robin showcase, with Canada, Sweden, and Finland vying for a spot in the final.
Source: https://www.ctvnews.ca/sports/article/canadas-makar-a-game-time-decision-binnington-to-start-versus-us-at-4-nations