Canada got its revenge in a politically charged Four Nations hockey showdown.
After losing to the United States on February 15, a country’s pride was at stake and Team Canada stepped up to defend their national sport.
GettyCanada avenged a round-robin loss to Team USA[/caption]
A thrilling 3-2 overtime win marked the end of a midseason tournament that has put the NBA All-Star Weekend and NFL‘s Pro Bowl to shame in terms of drama.
The first collision — which came against the backdrop of Canadians booing their neighbor’s anthem — saw three fights in nine seconds before a 3-1 victory for the Stars and Stripes.
President Donald Trump called the US Team before the second showdown, looking to rally the troops in what was a tough matchup to predict.
ESPN’s pre-game coverage tried to hammer home the significance of the encounter but riled up fans with its choice of message.
A montage with the famous Kurt Russell speech from hit hockey movie Miracle played in the background. The film sees America defeat the Soviet Union at Lake Placid in 1980 as a plucky underdog.
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy was not impressed.
“I’m gonna say it. Posting the miracle speech for this game is lazy, dumb and makes no sense,” he posted on X.
“I expect it outta ESPN social. I truly hope we didn’t post it already.
“We beat em like a pulp a few nights ago. It’s a pick em tonight.
“It’s disrespectful to the Americans to make em seem like a plucky underdog that can’t usually play with em. As an American I’m insulted.”
GettyThe pride of two nations was at stake[/caption]
Many fans were in agreement.
“Fully agree, ESPN intern had that queued up and ready for today,” said one.
“Miracle speech for a pick em game is crazy,” added a second.
“This is so not anywhere close to 1980 it’s ridiculous,” a third suggested.
There were plenty of viewers who loved ESPN’s choice, however.
One asked: “Anyone happen to have an extra brick wall that I could run through?”
Kurt Russell’s Miracle speech
Great moments are born from great opportunity. And that’s what you have here tonight, boys. That’s what you’ve earned here tonight.
One game. If we played ’em ten times, they might win nine. But not this game. Not tonight. Tonight, we skate with them. Tonight, we stay with them. And we shut them down because we can!
Tonight, WE are the greatest hockey team in the world. You were born to be hockey players. Every one of you. And you were meant to be here tonight. This is your time. Their time is done. It’s over.
I’m sick and tired of hearing about what a great hockey team the Soviets have. Screw ’em. This is your time. Now go out there and take it.
“Miracle vibes mixed with the 4 Nations? This is the ultimate hockey mashup,” a second added.
Ultimately, it was Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who had the last laugh in the war of words.
“You can’t take our country — and you can’t take our game,” he posted on X.
Connor McDavid scored the overtime winner and was named first star and player of the game.
“This was a heck of a lot more than a little tournament,” he said after the game.
Canada leaves a surprisingly gripping tournament as champion and many are calling for the NBA to pit its American stars against an international team next year.