NHL 25 Simulates NHL 4 Nations Face-Off Championship Game

EA Sports ran an NHL 25 simulation of the 4 Nations Face-Off Championship ahead of tomorrow night’s 8:00 PM clash at Boston’s TD Garden between the U.S. and Canada. But let’s be real, if there aren’t three fights in the first nine seconds, is it even a true sim EA?

According to the sim, Canada and the United States traded blows in a thrilling battle with Nathan MacKinnon opening up the scoring for Canada early, but Auston Matthews answered on a U.S. power play. Sidney Crosby’s late first-period rebound goal gave Canada a 2-1 lead at intermission. The second period saw tight defensive play, but Jake Guentzel capitalized on a loose puck to tie it 2-2, setting up the final frame.

With the championship on the line, Brad Marchand put Canada ahead late in the third, only for Brady Tkachuk to force overtime with a clutch deflection in the final seconds. In the extra period, Connor McDavid delivered the dagger, slipping through the U.S. defense and beating Connor Hellebuyck five-hole to secure a 4-3 victory for Canada.