Excluding NFL and college football broadcasts, Canada’s 3-2 overtime win was the network’s most-viewed event since the 2024 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks. It was also the most-viewed non-NFL event ever on ESPN+.

The game also drew the largest U.S. audience for a non-Olympic hockey event, according to Sports Media Watch. In Canada, Sportsnet reported 10.7 million viewers tuned in, over a quarter of the nation’s population.

It's hard to put a finger on the true stakes of Thursday night's 4 Nations Face-Off final in Boston. After all, this tournament didn't exist a year ago and, up until just about a week ago, was one people doubted anyone would care about -- including the players participating.

There was outstanding goaltending on both sides, Connor Hellebuyck robbed Cale Makar with seconds left in regulation and Jordan Binnington thwarted Auston Matthews three times in overtime. And to top it off the best player world, Connor McDavid, beat the best goalie in the world, Hellebuyck, to seal the win.

Team USA came close to giving the President and his supporters a sort of first MAGA world title, but ultimately fell short in overtime.

The Americans won the teams' round robin meeting but Canada has the historical edge vs. the USA in championship games of best-on-best tournaments.