Team Canada pulled out a thrilling overtime win over its North American rivals at the 4 Nations Face-Off final at the TD Garden in Boston on Thursday night.
The final pitted Toronto Maple Leafs teammates Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews against one another in the biggest, best-on-best international tournament in a decade.
In the end, it was Marner and Canada who got the best of Matthews and Team USA. The game was air-tight heading into the third period after Marner assisted on Sam Bennett’s game-tying goal. Bennett’s marker made it 2-2 after Brady Tkachuk and Jake Sanderson scored for the Americans.
Nathan MacKinnon, the tournament MVP, opened the scoring in the first period. But the game would eventually be decided on a golden goal, courtesy of Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid. The goal was possible thanks to a brilliant, heads-up play by Marner, to set up McDavid.
Here’s a look at the goal:
Canada goal!
— NHL Goals (@nhl_goal_bot) February 21, 2025
Scored by Connor McDavid with 11:42 remaining in the OT period.
Assisted by Mitch Marner and Cale Makar.
United States: 2
Canada: 3#CANvsUSA #TeamUSA #TeamCanada #4Nations pic.twitter.com/miGpRFfF9i
Marner had been quiet the last two games after scoring the overtime winner against Team Sweden in the opener. However, Marner saved his best for last, making two crucial plays, showing why he’s an elite playmaker.
As for Matthews, he assisted on both Team USA goals. He made a tremendous play behind the Team Canada goal, leading to Tkachuk’s game-tying marker in the first period. Throughout the broadcast, ESPN analyst Ray Ferraro lauded Matthews’ 200-foot game.
Indeed, Matthews showed why he’s among the game’s top two-way forwards. Hopefully, Matthews will get a lot more credit for his defensive play following the 4 Nations Face-Off.
It’s too bad that only one of Marner and Matthews could win the tournament. It would have been nice to have both of them on the same team. Fortunately for Toronto Maple Leafs fans, they are on the same team.
Marner, Matthews Delivered at 4 Nations Face-Off Final
Both Marner and Matthews delivered at the 4 Nations Face-Off final. They played crucial roles in their teams’ performances. Marner set up the equalizer and winning goal, while Matthews assisted on both of Team USA’s goals.
It’s worth pointing out that Marner started Thursday night’s tilt on the third line, but gradually made his way to the top line. Coach Jon Cooper’s confidence became evident when Marner was out with Connor McDavid in overtime. Cooper made the right call as Marner assisted on McDavid’s winner.
As for Auston Matthews, his role as Team USA’s captain was much different than the one with the Leafs. On Team USA, Matthews was a versatile forward playing more of a two-way role reminiscent of Sasha Barkov’s with the Florida Panthers.
Matthews showed that he’s evolved into more than just a lethal goal-scorer. He’s evolved into a true number-one center, capable of carrying a team. Matthews and Jack Eichel both played at an elite level, leading the Americans in offense and defense.
Despite only registering three assists, Matthews did not disappoint as Team USA captain. He was a force on the ice, often going unnoticed. But just because Matthews wasn’t the most obvious player on the ice, it didn’t mean he didn’t influence the game. He also came close to winning it himself just seconds before Mcdavid scored.
Both Marner and Matthews have earned themselves spots on their teams’ rosters for the 2026 Olympics. It remains to be seen if circumstances will allow them to play at Milano Cortina.