Editor’s Note: Check out our live blog for the latest on the 4 Nations Face-Off final.
The 4 Nations Face-Off took the place of what would have been the NHL All-Star break this year, and now it’s taking off. The finals Thursday in Boston will feature a rematch between the United States and Canada, and it has suddenly become the most anticipated American international hockey game in years.
USA beat the Canadians, 3-1, just five days ago in Montreal in a matchup that began with three fights in nine seconds. The fights came after the Canadian crowd booed “The Star-Spangled Banner” when both countries’ national anthems were played before the opening faceoff. The chaotic scene and intense game that followed elevated the entire event to new levels of awareness, with more than 10 million viewers in the United States and Canada tuning into the first international game between the neighboring countries in a best-on-best tournament in almost a decade.
Anticipation for another matchup in the finals began immediately and then became reality once Canada defeated Finland on Tuesday. The betting markets have stayed consistent ahead of the opening faceoff, with the Americans opening as favorites to win again. But predictions vary for this rematch that’s got the whole hockey world buzzing.
Here’s a breakdown of what to know before the puck drops and it’s USA vs. Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off Finals:
Mike Brehm – USA 4, Canada 3 (OT): Canada’s top players will have a better game, especially with Cale Makar playing this time, but the USA will benefit from the return of its stars who missed Monday’s game. Give the USA the edge because Hellebuyck has outplayed Binnington in the tournament.
Jace Evans – Canada 3, USA 1: Being a USA hockey fan in the 21st century is a disappointing endeavor. And one man has been most responsible for that: Sidney Crosby. I expect Canada’s captain to rise to the occasion yet again and help power his team to another hockey championship. Two other reasons to pick Canada here? Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon – the two best forwards in the world.
Kevin J. Erickson writes: “Team Canada can match the Americans in terms of offensive firepower, but USA is a little stronger defensively, as well as in the crease. (Goalie Connor) Hellebuyck has been a difference maker, and was the reason Team USA looked so good on paper before the tournament even began.”
The 27 members of The Athletic’s NHL staff were divided on picking the United States or Canada to win the 4 Nations Face-Off finals, with 51.9 percent choosing the Americans.
Mark Lazerus writes: “It speaks volumes about how scary the Canadian forward group is when the results are this close despite Connor Hellebuyck being in one net and Jordan Binnington being in the other.”
Iain MacMillan writes: “You can rightfully argue Canada has the better roster, but in a game between two stacked rosters, the difference between winning and losing comes down to goaltending and when you have Hellebuyck against a borderline NHL starter, the decision is an easy one.”
“I don’t see a real weakness in Team USA. They have the perfect blend of dynamic skill, structured and sound defensemen, and elite goaltending.”
USA has opened as an early favorite over Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off championship final, according to BetMGM.
Odds as of Thursday morning
 The final will be available to watch on Sling, Fubo and ESPN+.
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