The game started off with three fights within the first ten seconds. One came right off of face-off, between Matthew Tkachuk and Brandon Hagel. Then, after things settled and the next face-off occurred, Brady Tkachuk and Sam Bennett got into it. A third fight started between JT Miller and Colton Parayko a few seconds later. This all happened before any meaningful action took place.
As for the goals, Canada got the game's opening goal five and a half minutes in. Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers broking through the American defence, speeding past his opponents before beating Connor Hellebuyck with a backhand shot. It was McDavid's first point of the 4 Nations tournament.
The Americans did not falter and got their equaliser midway through the opening period. After a big hit on McDavid, Jack Eichel was able to carry the puck up the ice before finding Jake Guentzel. The Tampa Bay Lightning forward made no mistake with his shot, beating Jordan Binnington from close range to tie things up.
The US went ahead with 6:27 left in the second frame. An errant pass from Sidney Crosby went to Matthew Boldy, who immediately played it to Dylan Larkin. The Detroit Red Wings forward raced down the ice, with the Canadian in a vulnerable position. Larkin opened up his body and fired it past Binnington to put the Americans in the lead.
Canada tried to get a response in the third period, shooting 12 times in the final 20 minutes. Unfortunately for them, they were unable to get the goal they needed to extend the game.
With 79 seconds left in regulation, the United States added one more to secure the win. Guentzel added his second of the game, scoring on an empty net. Crosby tried to get back to stop Guentzel, but he was just too late.
For the first time in 26 games, Canada lost an international game in which Crosby was in the line-up.
With the victory, the United States qualify for the final of the tournament and have won the group. With two regulation-time wins, they sit on six points. All three of Canada, Finland, and Sweden are on two points.
The final round of games, both on Monday, will see Finland face Canada, while Sweden battle the US. If the first game has a winner in regulation time, they will qualify for the finals. If not, then the Swedes will have the chance to qualify for the final. However, they can only do so with a regulation time victory.