USA beats Canada in hockey match of Four Nations tournament

The USA defeated Canada 3:1 (1:1, 1:0, 1:0) in the second match for both teams of the Four Nations tournament, which this year replaces the traditional "All-Star Game" in the National Hockey League. Thus, the Americans qualified for the final of the competition, and at this stage "Maple Leafs" occupy second position. Third is the team of Finland, which prevailed after overtime with 4:3 (2:1, 2:1, 0:0; 1:0) over Sweden.

In Montreal, the Americans managed to cope with the powerful support of the home crowd and pulled out the victory. There was an awkward moment early on when the U.S. national anthem was booed.

The most anticipated game of the round did not disappoint, from the fistfights at the opening faceoff, to Charlie McAvoy's big shots on Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid, and more than a few decisive saves by Connor Hellebuyck among his 24 total. The U.S. showed they could handle Canada's speed, skill and talent in the first international event featuring the NHL's best players in nearly a decade.

The first goal of the game came from Connor McDavid for Canada in the 6th minute, sending most of the 21,105 spectators in the stands at the Bell Centre into raptures.
Jake Gentzel tied the game for the U.S. just five minutes later. In the second half, Dylan Larkin gave the Americans the lead after taking advantage of a Sidney Crosby mistake. At the end of the match, Gentzel made it 3:1. The Tampa Bay player scored into an empty net.

Now, Canada's lineup - full of stars such as McDavid, Crosby and Nathan McKinnon, is in a difficult situation and needs a must-win on Monday against Olympic champion Finland.

The USA has nothing to play for against Sweden, but there are concerns about Matthew Tkachuk after he did not finish the game due to injury. Tkachuk skated a few times in the third period to test what was bothering him and sat at the end of the bench for the rest of the period.