Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon capped off a standout performance at the 4 Nations Face-Off with a victory over Team USA in the final. MacKinnon opened the scoring in the first period, recording his fourth goal of the tournament.
This goal helped him finish as the tournament’s top goal-scorer, earning him the MVP award. While Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid secured the game-winning goal and was named the game’s first star, it was MacKinnon who truly stood out throughout the tournament.
MacKinnon spent most of the game alongside Team Canada’s Sidney Crosby and Sam Reinhart. However, coach John Cooper shuffled the top line throughout, particularly in the third period, pairing MacKinnon with Connor McDavid and later using them individually.
Overall, MacKinnon played 20:31, recording five shots on goal and winning 6 of 12 faceoffs. His presence was felt all over the ice, demonstrating the value of his speed and agility to Team Canada.
The MVP award adds to MacKinnon’s impressive collection of achievements, as well as the prestige of winning the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off. As MacKinnon shifts focus to the rest of the NHL season, anticipation grows for his potential inclusion on Team Canada for the 2026 Milano Cortina Games.
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