By: BHS Sports Staff
February 27, 2025
All-Star game ratings in all four major sports have been dropping significantly over the years, so the NHL decided to switch up their format and create the first annual, Four Nations Face-Off. The four countries involved were Canada, Finland, Sweden, and the United States.
This new format saw massive ratings across North America with the goal of continuing to grow the game of hockey, worldwide.
This tournament started off with a thriller between Canada and Sweden, as Canada won 4-3 in overtime. After the initial contest, the United States faced off against Finland, and the Americans dominated, en route to a 6-1 victory.
The next batch of games matched Finland against Sweden, and the Finns secured a 4-3 overtime victory. However, the real face-off of the tournament came between the United States and Canada, a game played in Montreal, Canada, at the Bell Centre.
To start, the United States made a physical statement winning two out-of-three fights in the first nine seconds of the game. Three fights in nine seconds? This gained national attention as this game was bound to be a thriller with national pride on the line.
This early physicality by the United States led to a 3-1 victory over Canada with Tampa Bay Lightning star Jake Guentzel scoring two of the three goals.
With this win, the United States secured a spot in the championship game, and Canada needed a win over Finland to advance for the rematch. Sure enough, Canada cruised past Finland 5-3, while the shorthanded United States fell to Sweden in a meaningless contest, 2-1.
The championship game was set between Canada and the United States, this time in Boston at the TD Garden.
In the first period, the Canadians struck early with a goal by Colorado Avalanche star, Nathan MacKinnon. Later in the period, the United States struck back to tie the game with a goal by Ottawa Senators star, Brady Tkachuk.
The United States took the lead in the second with a goal by Senators defenseman, Jake Sanderson. However, the Canadians responded back with a game-tying goal from Florida Panthers center, Sam Bennett.
With the score deadlocked at two, both teams were unable to score in the final period, sending this championship game into overtime.
Eight minutes into overtime, Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid gave Canada the championship victory with a wrister goal, winning by a final of 3-2.
There were no fights in this championship face-off, but the entertainment value of an overtime thriller did not disappoint.
The point leaders in this tournament consisted of Blue Jackets star Zach Werenski of the United States, leading the way with six. Pittsburgh Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby and McDavid both tallied five points each for team Canada.
This new All-Star format was a huge success for the NHL, and fans believe that this should be a year-round tournament to continue to grow this great game. NFL, MLB, and NBA, take note of what the NHL did.
To wrap up for Hurricanes athletics, in bowling, junior Adam Cowper competes in the state tournament this Saturday in Columbus. The tourney starts at 9:00. Good luck, Adam!
Go Canes!
{For up-to-date events and schedules, visit Brooklyn Hurricanes Athletics.}
THE RETURN OF THE EYE 