Three battles begin in the first nine seconds of the four countries, targeting the game between the US and Canada.
In the opening pack drop, Americans Matthew Tokachuk and Brandon Hagel didn't wait at all to take part in the action, a healthy scrap.
But just two seconds later, Matthew's brother, Brady, went to his toes with Matthew's teammate Sam Bennett in the NHL for the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.
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US Brady Tokachuk (top) will compete against Canada's Sam Bennett (9) at the first period, 4 Nations, held in Montreal on Saturday, February 15th, 2025. (Canadian media via Christinne Muschi/AP)
But that wasn't enough. After the opening rush into the Canada Zone, there was a scrap that involved almost everyone, but JT Miller and Colton Paraco got caught up in their own fight.
It caused a lot of crowding in the penalty box, but in the end the cooler head won.
The crowd tension was already high as the game takes place in Montreal – “Starspangled Banner” was booed loudly despite the fact that it “respects” the national anthem, rather than a previous plea Ta.
Team Canada's Brandon Hagel #38 after a fight with Team USA Matthew Tkachuk #19 (not pictured) during the first period of the four-country showdown game between the US and Canada at Bell Centre on February 15th It will respond. Montreal, Quebec, 2025. (Hockey World Cup via Andrea Cardin/4NFO/Getty Images)
Even NHL executive Bill Daly called it an “unfortunate situation” and hoped it would end – alas.
This is the first time the US and Canada have been on the ice in the best-on-best format at the World Cup of Hockey since 2016.
Both teams won the first match of the tournament, but the US is moving up the rankings due to a restricted victory. Canada needed overtime to beat Sweden on Thursday.
Team USA star Matthew Tokachuk delivers Stern One Liner after Canadian fans booed during the American national anthem
Canada first got on the board, but Conor McDavid lighted the lamp about five and a half minutes after the game, who was who else. Jake Gentztel tied it up a few minutes later.
Team Canada's Conor McDavid #97 celebrates after scoring during the first period of the 4 Nations face-off game between the US and Canada at Bell Center in Montreal, Quebec on February 15, 2025. (Hockey World Cup via Andre Ringuette/4NFO/Getty Images)
The victory will allow the Americans to earn their spot in the one-game final on Saturday in Boston.
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