U.S. Triumphs Over Canada in Heated 4 Nations Face-Off Hockey Game
The intense hockey rivalry between the United States and Canada reached a boiling point during the 4 Nations Face-Off game in Montreal on Saturday, February 15, 2025. The game, which the U.S. won 3-1, was marked by three fights breaking out within the first nine seconds of play, setting a chaotic tone for the highly anticipated matchup.
The first fight erupted just two seconds after the opening puck drop, with Team USA’s Matthew Tkachuk and Team Canada’s Brandon Hagel dropping their gloves. Moments later, Tkachuk’s brother, Brady, engaged in a fight with Canada’s Sam Bennett. A third scuffle followed six seconds later, involving U.S. player JT Miller and Canada’s Colton Parayko. The penalty boxes quickly filled as tensions on the ice mirrored the heated atmosphere in the stands, where the U.S. national anthem was loudly booed by the partisan Canadian crowd.
The game, played at Montreal’s Bell Centre, was the first time in nearly a decade that the two teams faced off with full rosters of NHL All-Stars. The rivalry was further fueled by geopolitical tensions, including recent trade disputes and rhetoric between the neighboring nations. Despite the early chaos, the game settled into a competitive rhythm, with Canada’s Connor McDavid scoring the first goal. However, Team USA responded with goals from Jake Guentzel and Dylan Larkin, securing the win and clinching a spot in the tournament’s championship game.
Both coaches acknowledged the intensity of the rivalry, with U.S. coach Mike Sullivan calling it “an incredible hockey game” and Canada’s Jon Cooper describing the early fights as “organic.” The U.S. victory sets up a potential rematch with Canada in the final, scheduled for Thursday in Boston. The game not only highlighted the fierce competition between the two hockey powerhouses but also reignited a storied rivalry that had been on pause for years.
US, Canadian hockey stars get into numerous fights in opening seconds of 4 Nations rivalry after anthem boos
Three fights broke out during the first nine seconds of Saturday's 4 Nations Face-Off game between longtime hockey rivals, the U.S. and Canada, in Mon
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USA v Canada ice hockey fight: Three fights in first nine seconds before US go on to win
A 4 Nations game between the USA and Canada descends into chaos with three fights breaking out between players in the first nine seconds.
www.bbc.comUSA vs. Canada hockey rivalry boils over with 3 fights in first 9 seconds
It took only two seconds for Matthew Tkachuk and Brandon Hagel to come to blows, with two more fights soon afterwards.
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It appears that the feeling was mutual between Matthew Tkachuk and Brandon Hagel.
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U.S.-Canada hockey game starts with 3 fights in 9 seconds
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