With that purpose, MacKinnon secured essentially the most targets within the 4 Nations match and was awarded MVP. Going into the break, MacKinnon additionally led the NHL in factors with 87 in 57 video games; he confirmed that not solely has he been the very best participant within the NHL, however the very best participant amongst worldwide superstars.
Canada nonetheless tops the US in hockey, for now
With a politically charged atmosphere, the Canada-United States 4 Nations closing was extremely anticipated. Not solely that, however because the U.S. is catching as much as Canada when it comes to NHLers (41% to 29%), many in the US had been enthusiastic about arguably the very best American workforce ever.
What happened was the most effective worldwide hockey video games in current reminiscence. The groups had been evenly matched — Canada had 27 pictures, 25 hits and gained 32 faceoffs, whereas the U.S. had 33 pictures, 28 hits and likewise gained 32 faceoffs.
In such a decent match, the Individuals confirmed that they will dangle with the Canadians, and the Canadians confirmed that regardless of their nationwide pleasure in hockey, the U.S. could also be nearer within the recreation than they suppose.
Olympics would be the greatest worldwide match but
With such an incredible match that includes 4 elite hockey nations, the 2026 Olympics, the primary to characteristic NHL expertise since 2014, might be as anticipated as ever.
As NHL gamers obtained excited for what was, basically, an exhibition match, they’re sure to play laborious for Olympic gold. With stars equivalent to Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Jack Eichel, Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Victor Hedman, Aleksander Barkov and Juuse Saros within the 4 Nations Face-Off, and different nations’ stars like Leon Draisaitl (Germany), David Pastrnak (Czechia) and Nikita Kucherov (Russia) becoming a member of them in 2026, it is positive to be the very best ever worldwide match produced.