Zach Werenski topped the scoring charts with six points, while Nathan MacKinnon was named MVP of the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. However, when it came down to crunch time and the most critical moment in the final, it was Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid who came through.
McDavid, who finished tied for second-most points in the tournament with five alongside the legendary Sidney Crosby, is the first to admit he didn't have the best of nights in the final against Team USA. Still, it was number 97 who brought back memories of what Crosby did in Vancouver back in 2010, by scoring the goal which won the tournament in overtime.
In the moment, the five-time Art Ross Trophy winner understandably showed as much emotion as he ever has done on the ice, celebrating what was undoubtedly a special moment for him, Team Canada and the country as a whole. He once again reminded everyone why he is still the best player in the game.
Connor McDavid discusses his delight at 4 Nations Face-Off win, but ...
McDavid talked to the media postgame about how winning the tournament meant the world to him. As per Luke Fox of Sportsnet, he said:
"Just couldn't believe it, really. Just excited for our group. Honestly, everybody was so dug in. It starts months and months ago, with management going out and picking the team, coaching staff coming together, and then obviously the players doing what we do. It’s been a big production, and it’s just sweet to have it all come together."
However, for as excited and emotional as McDavid was, when he scored the game-winner and when talking to the media, there was a subtle contrast in how he reacted when holding the tournament trophy on the ice. More specifically, about how he barely hoisted it above his head.
A lack of jubilation with the trophy by Connor McDavid
This led some to wonder if the seven-time NHL All-Star was injured in some way, but there was another more compelling theory about his lack of reaction. While discussing the matter on The Fan Hockey Show, co-hosts Matt Marchese and Mike Futa alluded to how much the trophy really means to McDavid.
Marchese and Futa made reference to how the 4 Nations Face-Off Trophy held some resemblance to another more famous one in the world of professional hockey. The duo went on to point out how McDavid and others who had yet to win the Stanley Cup, were reluctant to get too carried away, as opposed to anyone who has won the Holy Grail of the NHL.
Whatever the reason, this alludes to what McDavid's true priority is, even after one of the highlights of his hockey playing career and showing on the international stage just how great he is. At the end of the day, nothing means more to him than winning the Stanley Cup and getting that particular monkey off his back.
No one disputes that the 28-year-old is a generational talent and one of the best players of all time. However, he still knows that until he actually wins the Stanley Cup, this will be held against him no matter how many more points he racks up in the remainder of his NHL career and no matter much of a team game hockey is.
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