The 4 Nations Face-Off final between Team USA and Canada was befitting of a Hollywood-like finish. With a game-winning — and tournament-ending — goal, the Canadians received just that.
Nathan MacKinnon may have opened the scoring, placing his seeing-eye snipe past Connor Hellebuyck’s grasp, but Connor McDavid ended it, sending the pro-Canada minority that pooled into Boston’s TD Garden into raptures in the process.
There was more than just bragging rights at play when the Canadians and Americans jousted atop the glimmering Beantown ice. Hardware also loomed in the background. So, too, did various geopolitical interests.
When the dust settled, it was Canada hoisting the cup, thanks in large part to its biggest star.
Connor McDavid golden goal video
THERE IT IS! THE GAME WINNER! THE TOURNAMENT WINNER! 😱😱😱
CONNOR MCDAVID HAS WON IT FOR CANADA!!! #4Nations pic.twitter.com/nDneA2e26K
— NHL (@NHL) February 21, 2025
With 12:50 left in the overtime period, McDavid took to his usual post, crouching to match up with his opposite number — Team USA star Auston Matthews.
McDavid flicked the puck away from the three-time Rocket Richard winner. The orb soon made its way to Maple Leafs playmaker Mitchell Marner, who sent a pinpoint toss to McDavid, now positioned in the slot.
McDavid did the rest, delivering an inch-perfect effort above Hellebuyck’s glove.
At just 28, McDavid has nabbed a treasure trove of individual awards and titles. It’s hard to imagine he’ll have notched a bigger accomplishment than his golden goal, a wicked finish by a wicked player. Game. Set. Match.
