The symbolism was unmistakable when Connor McDavid delivered the moment that kept Team Canada atop the podium to cap the NHL’s reintroduction to top-tier international competition at the 4 Nations Face-Off. Same countries. Same score. Another once-in-a-generation player delivering the dagger.

Just over eight minutes into overtime, Canadian star Connor McDavid sent one past Team USA goaltender Connor Hellebuyck to secure a 3–2 win and a 4 Nations Face-Off title for Canada. THERE IT IS! THE GAME WINNER! THE TOURNAMENT WINNER! 😱😱😱 CONNOR MCDAVID HAS WON IT FOR CANADA!!! #4Nations pic.twitter.com/nDneA2e26K

When they played “O Canada” for the second time, there were no American fans left in the arena to boo. Instead, the Canadian team stood at the blue line, arm in arm, player and coach, wearing their championship hats while the maple leaf flag was lowered behind the 4 Nations Face-Off trophy and the national anthem reverberated across the Americans' home ice.