The 4 Nations Face-Off matchup between Team USA and Team Canada turned into an all-out brawl within seconds of puck drop, fueled by both on-ice tensions and off-ice political disputes between the two nations. In a hostile Montreal atmosphere, Canadian fans booed the Star-Spangled Banner, adding another layer of intensity to the already heated rivalry.
Fights Erupt in Opening Seconds
The game’s physicality hit a peak almost instantly, with three fights breaking out in the first nine seconds. Matthew Tkachuk (USA) and Brandon Hagel (Canada) dropped the gloves just two seconds in, setting the tone for a scrappy battle. Moments later, Brady Tkachuk and Sam Bennett squared off, followed by JT Miller and Colton Parayko, whose fight quickly escalated into a full-team scrum.
Despite speculation that the clashes were premeditated, Canada’s head coach Jon Cooper denied any prior arrangements.
Canada boos the US anthem.
Three fights in first nine seconds.
Massive hits.
🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸
pic.twitter.com/rSqIOBf0o4— Will Cain (@willcain) February 16, 2025
“That wasn’t two coaches throwing guys over and saying, ‘this is happening’ – none of that happened,” Cooper said. “That was as organic as it gets.”
USA Takes Control in Best-on-Best Matchup
The intense rivalry was heightened by recent political tensions, with tariff disputes between the U.S. and Canada adding fuel to the fire. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s initial refusal to secure the border before eventually conceding only fanned the flames of nationalistic pride heading into the game.
Despite the boos and physicality, Team USA remained unfazed, scoring three unanswered goals en route to a 3-1 victory. The game marked the first best-on-best international meeting between the U.S. and Canada since the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
Team USA Advances to Championship Game
With the win, Team USA clinched a spot in the championship game, set for Thursday in Boston. Depending on results, they could face Canada again in a high-stakes rematch for the title.
“It was, I guess, 10 years of no international hockey exhaled in a minute and a half,” Cooper reflected.
Dylan Larkin, who scored the game-winning goal in the second period, called it one of the best experiences of his life.
“The Tkachuk brothers and Millsy [Miller], what a start,” Larkin said. “Credit to those guys for answering the bell. And the crowd—just a great night for our sport and a great night for this rivalry.”
Trudeau Watches On as Rivalry Heats Up
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was among several Canadian leaders in attendance, watching as his country’s team fell to their American rivals. He later posted a video of himself in a red Team Canada jersey with the caption:
“We stand on guard for thee.”
Following the loss, he added another post: “Damn proud of this country.”
The question now looms—if Canada and the U.S. meet again in the final, will the tension boil over once more?
