Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Nathan MacKinnon (29) receives the Most Valuable Player award from NHL commissioner Gary Bettman after the win against Team USA during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

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Nathan MacKinnon named 4 Nations Face-Off MVP after leading Team Canada past USA in overtime thriller

MacKinnon shines as Team Canada wins 4 Nations Face-Off in OT.

Nathan MacKinnon just reminded everyone why he’s one of the most dangerous forwards in the NHL. The Colorado Avalanche star walked into the 4 Nations Face-Off, lit up the tournament with four goals, and left with the Most Valuable Player award. No assists? Didn’t matter. Every goal he scored was massive for Team Canada, and that’s why they lifted the trophy in Boston.

Nathan Mackinnon since 2024:

— won 2023/24 NHL mvp
— won Four Nations mvp
— favourite for 2024/25 mvp

Is he the best in the world right now? pic.twitter.com/8ShXajieAS
— Big Head Hockey (@BigHeadHcky) February 21, 2025

MacKinnon started strong, scoring the first goal of the tournament against Team Sweden. Then came a two-goal game against Team Finland. And when the championship was on the line, he struck again—opening the scoring in Canada’s 3-2 overtime win over Team USA. Connor McDavid got the OT winner, but MacKinnon carried the offense all tournament.

He wasn’t just a scorer—he was everywhere. He logged 20:31 of ice time in the final, fired five shots on net, and won six of 12 faceoffs. When Canada needed plays, MacKinnon made them. That’s what MVPs do.

Team Canada takes revenge on Team USA as Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby deliver

Team Canada went into the final with something to prove. They had lost to Team USA in the round-robin stage, but when it mattered most, they showed up.

MacKinnon, McDavid, and Sidney Crosby—the core of Canada’s dominance—made sure of it. MacKinnon got the early goal. McDavid sealed the game in OT. Crosby anchored the team as captain, doing what he always does—showing up in the biggest moments.

Nathan MacKinnon is the MVP of the #4Nations Face-Off! 🫡 pic.twitter.com/eVIa6E4RR0
— NHL (@NHL) February 21, 2025

Coach John Cooper knew when to stack the top line, too. He rotated McDavid and MacKinnon together when Canada needed an extra push, and it worked. That’s how deep this roster was.

Now, the focus shifts back to the NHL, but international hockey isn’t done. The 2026 Winter Olympics are next, and with NHL players returning, Canada already looks like the team to beat. If MacKinnon keeps playing like this, expect him to be a problem in Italy.

Image: Imagn Images

Nathan MacKinnon

Natasha Bose

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