If somehow you don’t already know, Team Canada are the champions of the 1st (and likely only) 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. The scene on Thursday night was unlike any other hockey game played since the 2016 Olympics. After Team Canada lost 3-1 in the round robin to Team USA one week ago, you knew Canada had their eyes set on winning this all-important game. Before the Winnipeg Jets return to play tonight, let’s take a quick look back at the championship game, as well as summarizing the tournaments for the Jets players at the 4 Nations Face-Off: Josh Morrissey, Kyle Connor and Connor Hellebuyck.

All 3 of the Jets at the 4 Nations Face-off were scheduled to play in the championship game. However, some last minute changes caused Josh Morrissey and Kyle Connor to sit out and miss the winner takes all game. The flu bug was going around several teams at this tournament, including team Canada, and it hit Josh Morrissey at the wrong time. After waking up from his pre-game nap, Morrissey felt not well enough to play, so Josh and the team decided he would be out due to his illness.

Kyle Connor began the tournament as a top 6 forward, but quickly fell to USA’s 4th line. Prior to the championship game, USA’s coaching staff decided to replace Kyle Connor with Chris Kreider on the 4th line, forcing Connor out of the lineup. Despite his terrific season for the Jets, Connor just didn’t seem to fit what Team USA was looking for as the tournament went on, leading to the tough decision of leaving him and his scoring ability out of the lineup.

Connor Hellebuyck was the only Jet in this game, returning from resting in USA’s final round robin game against Sweden. In 2 appearances prior to Thursday night’s game, Hellebuyck only allowed 1 goal in each game, and was near the top of the “leaderboard” for tournament MVP prior to this game. Hellebuyck didn’t disappoint on the big stage, but as you already know, he came up just short in the championship game duo vs. Canada’s Jordan Binnington.

Nathan MacKinnon opened the scoring for Team Canada with a blistering shot through traffic to make it 1-0 Canada. Hellebuyck didn’t have much of a chance at seeing the puck through all the players parked in front of the goal. Brady Tkachuk tied the game up for USA on a wrap-around with just over 3 minutes to play in the 1st. Jake Sanderson gave Team USA a 2-1 lead in the 2nd off a rebound and scramble in front. Sam Bennett later in the 2nd tied the game at 2, with a wrist shot that went right over Hellebuyck’s right shoulder into the top of the net. Fast forward to overtime, and 8:18 into the 20 minute 5 on 5, Connor McDavid was wide open in front after a pass from Mitch Marner, and he made no mistake, wristing one top corner past Hellebuyck to win the game and tournament. Hellebuyck finished the night with 24 saves on 27 shots.

Kyle Connor finished the tournament with 3 games played, 1 assist and a -1. It was a decent start to the tournament for Connor, but as previously mentioned, he just couldn’t seem to get the full trust from the coaching staff, which eventually led to him being a healthy scratch in the championship game. Josh Morrissey appeared in 3 games, with no points and a +1. Morrissey stepped up in the lineup when Cale Makar was absent, and was an important part of Canada’s 2nd pairing. Unfortunately he wasn’t well enough for the championship game, but he still contributed to Canada’s success. Connor Hellebuyck started in 3 games, finishing the tournament with a 1.60 GAA and a .932 save percentage. Although he wasn’t a part of the winning team, it’s fair to say that Hellebuyck was overall the best goalie in this short tournament.

Josh Morrissey was unfortunately not well enough to go on the ice to claim his gold medal and lift the trophy, but he still leaves the tournament as a champion. After all the celebrations from the tournament settled, the Jets prepare for the return to NHL regular season play tonight against the St. Louis Blues. Josh Morrissey and Connor Hellebuyck will sit out and rest for tonight’s game, while Kyle Connor is good to go tonight after being a healthy scratch in the championship game. Eric Comrie starts in goal, while Ville Heinola re-enters the lineup on the 3rd pairing with Colin Miller. The Blues will likely rest Colton Parayko and Jordan Binnington tonight following their return from the tournament. Puck drop in St. Louis is at 6:00 pm CT, and check back here after the game for a post game recap. Congrats to Josh Morrissey and Team Canada!