With a win over Canada on Thursday night, Team USA would take home the 4 Nations Face-Off trophy and assert itself as the team to beat heading into the 2026 Olympics. The Americans already have one win over their rivals to the north, but making it two in a row will be a tall task.

The Avalanche superstar and reigning Hart Trophy winner was named MVP of the tournament after scoring four goals in four games for Canada. He got the scoring started in the championship game, carrying the puck up high and sending a screened shot past Hellebuyck to give Canada the early lead.

When they got around to playing the Canadian national anthem for the second time, there were no American fans left in the arena to boo. Instead, the Canadian team stood at the blue line, arm in arm, player and coach and staff wearing their championship hats,