4 Nations Face-Off: Top standouts as Canada beat Sweden in tournament opener
Hockey. What a beautiful game.
The first-ever 4 Nations Face-Off game was an interesting one, with overtime needed to solve the first best-on-best international game since the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. Canada started with a 2-0 lead, and ultimately held on to beat a Swedish comeback to win 4-3 in overtime.
With the win in extra time, Canada took home two points, with Sweden sitting at one.
Canada didn’t need much time causing havoc. Just 56 seconds into the game, Connor McDavid got the puck to Sidney Crosby, who then sent a behind-the-back pass to Sidney Crosby at the side of the net to make it 1-0.
The Swedes struggled to generate anything in the first, with just three long-range shots that didn’t test Jordan Binnington too much. But before they ever registered a single chance, Brad Marchand converted on a pass from Brayden Point on a 2-on-1 to make it a 2-0 game at just 13:15.
The Swedes came out much stronger in the second period and they were rewarded with a goal at 29:33. Jonas Brodin took Victor Hedman’s feed and beat Jordan Binnington with a knuckle puck, making it 2-1. Sweden continued to put on the pressure, but Mark Stone would score at 37:28 to make it 3-1 – a score that took Sweden’s steam away.
But it didn’t last. At 41:54, Adrian Kempe’s shot from the high slot beat Binnington to make it 3-2, only to have Joel Eriksson Ek tie it up at 48:59 on an in-close chance from Jesper Bratt with no defenders in the way.
The game required overtime, with incredible action at both ends. Mitch Marner would score the game-winner, ripping in a shot late in the extra frame to beat Filip Gustavson to win the game 4-3.
Here’s a look at the top performers from both teams:
Canada
#87 Sidney Crosby, LW (Pittsburgh Penguins): That no-look pass to MacKinnon on the early power play was nuts. But it’s exactly what we’ve come to expect from the captain – he’s special. And getting to watch him show chemistry with his Nova Scotian buddy was so cool. You basically had to watch them train in the summer to see them pull off the exploits they’re capable of. Crosby was so good in open space and forced the Swedish defenders to keep moving at all times. And then that pass to Mark Stone to make it 3-1 – just a shift after missing out on getting one in close – was beautiful. Add in an assist on the game-winning goal and it was as impressive of an effort as we’ve seen from Crosby on the international stage.
#5 Devon Toews, D (Colorado Avalanche): It doesn’t hurt that he’s paired with long-time D-partner Cale Makar. But Toews had a fantastic two-way game, blocking a couple of chances and even creating a first-period breakaway. Whenever the Avs’ top pair was on the ice, Canada found themselves heading towards Sweden’s zone. Toews was an analytical darling early on and still played his solid, trademark defensive style.
#63 Brad Marchand, RW (Boston Bruins): It was weird watching the Montreal fans cheering for Marchand – just like Toronto fans did back in 2016. He scored the 2-1 goal for Canada, but he also landed a few hits and was a general pest out there. It’s hard not to love the energy Marchand brings to every shift, and it felt like watching him back at the World Cup of Hockey, where he put goalies on notice every single night.
#61 Mark Stone, RW (Vegas Golden Knights): Playing alongside Crosby doesn’t hurt, but Stone deserved that 3-1 goal. He had been dangerous all game long, and even led Canada in shots throughout most of the fight. He also had a few hits and blocks as well as he seemed engaged at both ends of the ice. So many players could have thrived on that line with Crosby and MacKinnon, but Stone’s hockey IQ and general skill made him a good fit.
Sweden
#65 Erik Karlsson, D (Pittsburgh Penguins): Karlsson’s mix of playmaking and skating made him dangerous. He was solid defensively, and didn’t make many mistakes – and he helped create the 3-2 goal, as well. Corsi was on his side throughout the game as he was easily Sweden’s most involved defender. Karlsson also had a solid showing physically, handling his own from Brandon Hagel and Brad Marchand. Overall, it felt like vintage Karlsson.
#26 Rasmus Dahlin, D (Buffalo Sabres): Dahlin made a massive save with about seven minutes left in the second period, just grabbing a chance from Crosby before it could cross the line. He also flattened McDavid during the first and had a few outstanding defensive-zone reads, too. With a solid Swedish blueline to work with, Dahlin stood out tonight.
#9 Adrian Kempe, LW (Los Angeles Kings): Kempe scored the 3-2 goal to give the Swedes some life – and it felt like it was bound to happen. The top Swedish line was buzzing, and both of his chances were solid looks. He was also Sweden’s most aggressive forward with four hits for good measure. It just felt like Kempe was looking to make something happen every time he hit the ice.
#9 Filip Forsberg, RW (Nashville Predators): Forsberg brought the mustache power to Montreal. He forced a few giveaways just solely on how hard he attacked and forced the Swedish blueliners to play on his toes. He didn’t get himself on the scoreboard, but it felt like he made things happen on the rush whenever he had the puck.
#23 Lucas Raymond, RW (Detroit Red Wings): Raymond had two assists in this one – he’s looking like a big-game player. Whenever the Swedes needed a good shift, Raymond seemed to deliver with energy and determination to win every battle. Red Wings fans had to love that effort.
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