Game-By-Game Four Nations Faceoff Prediction

Wednesday marks the start of the 4 Nations Face-Off, which will feature some of the top NHL players from Canada, Sweden, Finland, and the United States of America. This will be the first best-on-best international competition the NHL players have played in since the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, and each rosters is stacked with superstars.

The top two teams will move on to the final game after the four teams compete in a round robin format. Here are my game-by-game predictions for the tournament, including who will will win the championship and earn the tournament's MVP.

Four Nations Faceoff Format:

All games in the 4 Nations Face-Off will follow NHL rules.

• Each team will play three tournament games in a traditional Round Robin format.

• Points system:

  • 3 points for a win in regulation time

  • 2 points for a win in overtime/shootout

  • 1 point for a loss in overtime/shootout

  • 0 points for a loss in regulation time

• The two teams with the best tournament record will advance to a one-game Final.
  

At Bell Centre, Montreal

Game 1: Canada vs. Sweden

Canada will win this game thanks to their strong blue line and depth down the middle. With Jakob Markstrom sidelined due to injury, Sweden’s goaltending takes a hit. William Nylander and company might expose Canada’s goaltending, but they won’t be able to contain Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and the rest of Canada’s attack. Expect Canada’s power play to be a difference-maker in this game.

Prediction: Canada Wins (5-3)

Game 2: USA vs. Finland

This game should be fast-paced and back-and-forth. Juuse Saros is an excellent goalie, but the American forward group is explosive. Jack Hughes, Auston Matthews, and Matthew Tkachuk will set the tempo, exposing Finland’s lack of skill compared to the Americans.

Prediction: USA Wins (4-1)

Game 3: Sweden vs. Finland

Rivalry night in Montreal kicks off with a Nordic battle between Sweden and Finland. The Finns will make it tough for Sweden to score, but in the tournament’s first overtime game, the Swedes come out on top.

Prediction: Sweden Wins (3-2 in OT)

Game 4: Canada vs. USA

This is the most anticipated game of the tournament, and it should live up to the hype. Both teams boast elite talent, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see a rematch in Boston. The superstars will put on a show, but without Quinn Hughes, I think Canada finds a way to edge out a win.

Prediction: Canada Wins (4-3)

At TD Garden, Boston

Game 5: Canada vs. Finland

As the tournament shifts to Boston, Canada should be rolling. With no chance of reaching the championship game, I expect the Finns to play it safe as they prepare for the second half of the NHL season. Canada wins and clinches a spot in the championship.

Prediction: Canada Wins (5-2)

Game 6: USA vs. Sweden

The United States just have too much firepower for Sweden to contain in a winner-goes-to-final match. The United States will ultimately overcome Sweden, even if it is effectively defended under the control of Rasmus Dahlin and Victor Hedman. As an aside, I think Elias Pettersson or J.T. Miller will win the game in OT.

Prediction: USA Wins (2-1 in OT)

Round Robin Standings:

1. Canada (9 pts)

2. USA (5 pts)

3. Sweden (3 pts)

4. Finland (1 pt)

Championship Game: Canada vs. USA

In the Four Nations Faceoff final, Canada and the United States take on each other again after their intense group stage game. I believe Canada wins the tournament and the title despite yet another close call from the Americans.

Bonus prediction: Sidney Crosby wins tournament MVP. This may be the last time he wears the Team Canada jersey in his Hall of Fame career, and with the Penguins missing the playoffs since 2022, it’s also his first taste of high-stakes hockey in a while. Crosby is 21-0 as Team Canada’s captain in international play, and I think he keeps his perfect record intact. If this is the end, expect another iconic performance from No. 87.

Prediction: Canada Wins (3-2)