Canada stuns USA 3-2 in OT to win 4 Nations Face-Off Championship Game: Live updates and reaction

Canada beats United States 3-2 in overtime

Connor McDavid scored the game-winning goal in overtime for Canada, lifting them to a 3-2 victory over Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off Championship Game.

Nathan MacKinnon opened the scoring for Canada early in the first period, firing a wrister through traffic and beating Connor Hellebuyck up high. Team USA tied the game late in the first after Brady Tkachuk cleaned up an Auston Matthews wraparound attempt.

The United States took the lead near the midway point of the second period as Jake Sanderson flicked in a rebound to cap off a hectic sequence. Canada equalized with six minutes remaining in the second on a precise Sam Bennett shot from close range.

After a scoreless third period, this intense finale went to overtime where Connor McDavid became the hero. He broke free in the slot before beating Hellebuyck and stunning the Americans.

MacKinnon: 'It was a high stakes game'

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Tournament MVP Nathan MacKinnon revealed what made tonight's championship game against the United States so special.

"It was a high-stakes game and it put a lot of the best players against each other," he said in a postgame interview on ESPN.

The Canadians lost 3-1 to Team USA in round-robin play but exacted revenge tonight in a big way to lift the inaugural tournament trophy.

"We played well in the first meeting, but that was a crazy game," MacKinnon said. "We didn't know that there would be fighting like that but that is the beauty of hockey. (Team USA) could have won tonight, they had their chances but Jordan (Binnington) made saves, and Connor (McDavid) came up clutch there with the goal."

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Sidney Crosby spoke to ESPN after Canada's win: "It's special, it's a great feeling to wear the Canada jersey."

The 37-year-old won his fifth senior international trophy with Canada, and spoke about the importance of playing with the current group of players.

"It's been a long time, any time you can play for your country is huge," Crosby said. "It's been fun to play with a special group of players and makes you want to come and be part of this."