From the opening faceoff Canada imposed its rhythm, cycling the puck with precision and forcing the Americans to chase the play across the ice.
A Statement Victory
Netminder Jet Greaves stood tall, repelling every attempt and preserving a clean sheet that became the cornerstone of the 4‑0 result.
The scoring opened with a power‑play strike from Macklin Celebrini, and Sidney Crosby, recording his first point of the tournament, added a late third‑period goal that capped the offense.
Midway through the second period Ryan Lindgren's aggressive hit on Evan Bouchard earned a major penalty and a game misconduct, a turning point that allowed Canada to strike again with a goal from Dylan Holloway.
Connor Brown and Crosby sealed the outcome with empty‑net tallies, underscoring the depth of a roster that had been forged in the aftermath of an Olympic disappointment.
The win was more than a revenge match; it was a showcase of Canada's structured play, defensive discipline, and the breadth of talent that can be called upon when the stakes rise.