The first game began with a Montreal crowd booing ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ and three fights in succession just as soon as the puck was dropped. The best hockey players from USA and Canada played against one another in international competition for the first time in almost a decade on Saturday as part of the 4 Nations Face-Off. The action during the Americans’ 3-1 win left fans wanting more from this event taking place during the NHL’s All-Star break this year.
Canada made sure there will be a rematch later this week. It advanced to the 4 Nations Face-Off championship final against the United States on Thursday in Boston after beating Finland, 5-3, in Monday’s round robin finale.
There are storylines aplenty, starting with whether American fans at Boston’s TD Garden elect to boo ‘O, Canada.’ Tension between Americans and Canadians have been inflamed by President Donald Trump’s recent threats of implementing tariffs against Canadian imports and his desire to make Canada the 51st state of the United States.
But the on-ice narratives are just as juicy after Saturday’s first game drew so much positive attention to the entire sport, with some of the biggest NHL stars playing together in an intense environment that felt more like a Stanley Cup playoff game or the Olympics than the all-star break. The betting markets have already made the Americans an early favorite to pull off a repeat:
Here’s a look at the early odds ahead of Thursday’s rematch between USA and Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off championship final in Boston:
4 Nations Face-Off finals odds: USA vs. Canada rematch
USA has opened as an early favorite over Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off championship final, according to BetMGM.
Odds as of Monday afternoon
Spread: USA (-1.5)
Moneylines: USA (-120); Canada (+100)
Over/under: 5.5
How to watch United States vs. Canada 4 Nations Face-Off final
Date: Feb. 20
Time: 8 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN+
The final will be available to watch on Sling, Fubo and ESPN+.
Watch the 4 Nations Face-Off finals with Fubo
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