The United States and Canada clash one again, this time for the 4-Nations Face-Off championship. This game is available on multiple streaming services for free. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)AP
BOSTON – Fittingly, the finale that everyone expected has arrived. The United States clashes with Canada in the 4-Nations Face-Off championship today – Thursday, Feb. 20 – at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The matchup is available on multiple streaming services for free.
Today’s game will broadcast live on ESPN with the puck dropping at 8 p.m. Eastern. Fans who have parted ways with their local cable provider can catch the action by utilizing streaming alternatives like FuboTV and DirecTV Stream, which both offer a free trial. Sling TV is also offering promotional discounts for new customers.
This game will also stream live on ESPN Plus. You can get a subscription to ESPN Plus for $11.99 per month. Another option is to sign up for an annual subscription for $119.99, which saves about 17% off compared to the monthly route.
You can watch 4-Nations Face-Off for free by utilizing a free trial from FuboTV or DirecTV Stream.
The NHL will take a two-week hiatus and there will be no All-Star game this year. Instead, this round-robin, best-on-best international men’s hockey tournament features NHL players from the United States, Canada, Finland and Sweden.
A win in regulation counts as three points, a win in overtime or a shootout counts as two and a loss in overtime or a shootout earns one point. The two teams with the most points at each round will advance to face each other in the championship game.
The games will take place Feb. 12-20 with host cities Montreal, Canada and Boston Massachusetts. USA and Canada were the co-favorites heading into the tournament.
The United States toppled Canada 3-1 in an emotionally charged matchup at the Bell Centre on Feb. 15. The two squads have found their way back to each other for another riveting chapter of the hockey’s most storied rivalry.
The Americans opened up the 4-Nations Face-Off with a 6-1 thrashing of Finland. It was feeding frenzy for the Tkachuk brothers (Matthew and Brady), who nabbed two goals each against an overwhelmed foe.
That set the stage for their encounter with Canada, which brought about three fights in the first nine seconds after the raucous Canadian faithful booed the U.S. national anthem. Dylan Larkin nabbed the go-ahead goal for the Americans on enemy soil.
The United States, having already secured a spot in the title game due to their two consecutive wins in regulation, rested some talent and ended up falling to Sweden, 3-1, in an inconsequential contest.
Team USA’s star power is there. But it hasn’t quite delivered to their full potential. Auston Matthews, Kyle Connor and Jack Hughes have contributed an assist each in three games. On the blue line, former Norris Trophy winner Adam Fox has been quiet. Zach Werenski has made all the noise. Since their decimation of the Finns, the United States has scored only four goals. It hasn’t mattered as they emerged from the round-robin with the most points.
In this matchup, the Americans will need more from Fox. His talents are too pristine to waste away against this Canadian firepower.
Health could be a factor, as well with a flu bug that is making its rounds. Charlie McAvoy is out. Brady Tkachuk missed practice yesterday. Matthews and Matthew Tkachuk missed practice on Monday.
The Americans tout the best goaltender in the tournament (and the NHL) in Winnipeg Jets star Connor Hellebuyck (34-7-2), who rested the previous game against Sweden. He entered the 4-Nations with the best goals against average (2.07) and the most shutouts in the league. The two-time Vezina Trophy winner is roaring to go for the rematch with Canada.
The American crowd was tame by their standards for a meaningless tilt against Sweden. Expect them to amplify the noise, which in turn will ignite fights, booing and fireworks. The perfect ingredients for a hockey game that has drawn comparisons to a juiced-up Game 7 Stanley Cup Final.
After falling short for years on this stage, the Americans have been building towards redemption. Will they reach the pinnacle of the sport, or fall perilously into the shadows of their neighbor to the north?
Watch the United States vs. Canada for free on DirecTV Stream
A closer look at Canada’s path to the finale, and the questions remain, especially on the defensive side.
In the opening match, the Canadians needed an overtime dagger from Mitch Marner to escape the Swedes, 4-3. Their offense was on point, but the defense showed signs of weakness. The Canadiens blew multiple two-goal leads.
Their offense was held in check by the Americans in a feisty round-robin affair. The defense again let them down as the U.S. pulled away.
They held off a furious rally from Finland in the final period after opening up the contest 4-0 and essentially securing their spot in the championship game. Canada escaped again with a 5-3 victory. Nathan MacKinnon fueled the offense with two goals.
Canada’s star power is jarring with Hart Trophy winners strewn across the ice. Edmonton Oilers supernova Connor McDavid and MacKinnon continue to shine while veteran captain and tournament points leader Sidney Crosby continues to impact the game in a myriad of ways. The Canadians had won 26 consecutive international games with Crosby at the helm until the Americans snapped that streak earlier in the tournament.
These hallowed grounds are nothing new for the Canadian legend, who cinched the game-winner in 2010 to down the Americans for the gold.
Marner’s magic bailed Canada out in the opener. Does he have another act in the grand finale? Marner entered the tournament fourth in points (71) and third in assists (55).
Cale Makar is the key for Team Canada. The Colorado Avalanche star has rebounded from his illness and appears to be in great spirits for this monumental matchup. He tallied four blocked shots against Finland.
While the Americans are stout in goal, the Canadians are still on shaky ice. St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington (15-19-4) has consistently led the net bleed. His NHL numbers reflect the performance, allowing 2.89 goals against average, which is 35th in the league. Binnington is one of only two goalies in the tournament to have hoisted Lord Stanley, and he did it in this very arena.
The two nations will collide one more time. A champion will be crowned in the rematch of the century. To the winner goes the glory, until they meet again.
Watch United States vs. Canada for free on FuboTV
Forwards
Defensemen
Goalies
Forwards
Defensemen
Goalies
Sean McDonough (play-by-play) and Ray Ferraro (analyst) will be the announcers while Emily Kaplan reports from the ice.
Moneyline: USA: (-108), CAN: (-112)
Puck spread: USA: -1.5, CAN: +1.5
Over/Under: 5.5
Odds from DraftKings
Save $20 off $200+ tickets to USA vs. Canada on Vivid Seats using promo code CLEVELAND20
Here’s more information on how to watch USA-Canada in the 4-Nations Face-Off championship on TV and streaming services.
What: 4-Nations Face-Off championship: USA vs. Canada
When: Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025
Time: 8 p.m. Eastern
Where: TD Garden | Boston, Mass.
Channel: ESPN
Best streaming options: FuboTV (free trial), DirecTV Stream (free trial), Sling TV (promotional offers for new customers) and ESPN Plus
Cable Channel Finder: AT&T U-Verse, Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum/Charter, Optimum/Altice, Cox, DirecTV, Dish, Verizon Fios
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