Dylan Larkin scored the game-winning goal as the United States capped a feisty affair with a 3-1 win over Canada on Saturday at the 4 Nations Face-Off.
Connor McDavid opened the scoring for Canada early in the first period with a solo performance to dance a few American defenders. It would stand as the lone Canadian goal, however, as the red-and-white weren’t able to solve Vezina Trophy-winning goalie Connor Hellebuyck again.
The United States’ second of the game came after a rare turnover from Sidney Crosby allowed Larkin to capitalize on a two-on-one.
Jake Guentzel scored twice for the U.S. — his first to get his team on the board, then an empty-netter to seal the win.
The contest began with some fireworks befitting this storied hockey rivalry — Canada and the U.S. fought three times within the first nine seconds to begin the game.
With this regulation win, the United States punches its ticket to the 4 Nations final in Boston on Thursday.
Canada can ensure it is in the final with a regulation win over Finland on Monday in Boston.
