Canada got their sweet, sweet redemption! Just a few hours ago, they hit the ice against Team USA in the 4 Nations Final, hungry to flip the script after their last loss. And oh boy, did they deliver. Thursday night’s showdown between these two eternal rivals had all the hype—and somehow, it still managed to blow expectations out of the water. It was a nail-biter from start to finish, with both squads going punch for punch, skating their way to a 2-2 deadlock through three periods. But this wasn’t ending in a tie—nope, overtime was calling, and destiny had a name.

Enter Connor McDavid. The face of hockey. The human highlight reel. And, on this night, the ultimate closer. With the world watching, McDavid did what legends do—he stepped up big time and buried the biggest goal of his career, sealing a 3-2 thriller for Canada. But while McDavid was busy writing his Hollywood ending, Nathan MacKinnon had some thoughts on Team USA’s biggest blunder of the night. And let’s just say…he did not hold back.

Nathan MacKinnon gets real about 4 Nations victory!

In the post-game conference, when asked about Matthew Tkachuk’s “It’s our time,” comment from last Saturday, Nathan MacKinnon didn’t hesitate. “Yeah, it’s tough. I mean, obviously, you know, I thought we played a really good game, and over time they kind of took over, honestly.” He wasn’t wrong—USA brought the heat, but Canada stayed locked in. And then there was Binnington. “Binnington was unbelievable, the saves he was making, you know, and we just needed kind of one look.”

That one look came, and when Connor McDavid is wide open, well, we all know how that ends. “Yeah, Connor was very open, so that was nice. Usually, when he’s that open, it’s in the net, so very exciting.” This wasn’t just any game—it was a battle for bragging rights. “I think, you know, we’re neck and neck, USA and Canada, but it feels good to, you know, be on top this time.” MacKinnon kept it real. Canada took their moment and ran with it, flipping the script when it mattered most. Standing on the far left, it definitely felt like their time.

And just like that, Nathan MacKinnon is walking away with more than just a championship—he’s got the MVP crown too! After Canada edged out Team USA, the Colorado Avalanche superstar was rightfully named the first-ever 4 Nations Face-Off MVP. MacKinnon wasted no time making his mark, lighting the lamp just 4:48 into the game. But this wasn’t a one-time show—the guy was a scoring machine all tournament long, kicking things off with a power play snipe against Sweden, then dropping two more goals on Finland to help push Canada into the final. But let’s be real MacKinnon didn’t do it alone. Sure, his goals kept Canada ahead, but his praise didn’t stop at McDavid.

MacKinnon gives his flowers to another player!

Nathan MacKinnon might have snagged that MVP title, but he wasn’t about to make it all about himself. When asked about sharing the ice with the Sidney Crosby—yes, the man behind the legendary 2010 golden goal—MacKinnon didn’t hold back on the love. “Yeah, it’s amazing. I mean, he was my childhood hero, obviously,” he admitted, and let’s be real, who wasn’t looking up to Sid back in the day? From idolizing him as a kid to now calling him one of his “close friends”, it’s been a full-circle moment for MacKinnon, and he’s soaking up every second of it.

And let’s talk about Crosby still tearing it up at 37. MacKinnon was in awe, calling him “still one of the best players in this league,” and honestly, facts. The guy’s longevity is unreal, and MacKinnon knows how special it is to skate alongside him in this tournament. “So it’s amazing to see his longevity, you know, and definitely very grateful to play with him.” The respect runs deep, and if one thing’s for sure, MacKinnon’s giving Crosby all the flowers he deserves.