The hockey world is gearing up for a thrilling new event as the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament takes center stage from February 12 to 20. This week-long round-robin competition replaces the traditional NHL All-Star Game this season, offering fans a fresh and exciting format. The tournament features four teams: the United States, Canada, Sweden, and Finland, each comprised entirely of current NHL players. Unlike past international competitions, this event will be held entirely in North America, with games split between the Bell Centre in Montreal (February 12-15) and the TD Garden in Boston (February 16-20). Hockey enthusiasts can catch all the action on broadcast television via TNT, ABC, and ESPN, or stream the games on platforms like ESPN+, Max, Hulu + Live TV, and more.
The 4 Nations Face-Off promises to deliver high-stakes hockey, pitting some of the sport’s biggest stars against each other in a competitive round-robin format. The tournament kicks off on February 12 with Canada facing Sweden at 8 p.m. ET on TNT/Max. Over the next week, teams will play three games each, facing off against the other three squads. The top two teams based on points will advance to the championship game on February 20 at 8 p.m. ET, broadcast on ESPN/ESPN+. Each contest will showcase the skill and intensity of these elite players, and the unique overtime format adds an extra layer of excitement. If a round-robin game goes to overtime, teams will play 10 minutes of 3-on-3 sudden-death hockey, followed by a three-round shootout if necessary. In the championship game, overtime will consist of 20-minute sudden-death periods until a winner is decided.
To ensure every fan can tune in, the 4 Nations Face-Off will be widely accessible. Viewers with cable can watch on TNT, ABC, or ESPN, while those without cable have multiple streaming options. Games airing on ESPN and ABC will be available on ESPN+, and TNT-broadcast games will stream on Max. Max, a platform that offers a wealth of sports programming, including NBA, WNBA, MLB, and NHL games, is an excellent choice for cord-cutters. With a subscription starting at $9.99/month, fans can enjoy not only hockey but also popular shows like House of the Dragon and The Penguin. Additionally, platforms like Hulu + Live TV, DirectTV, and Fubo will carry all games, ensuring that no one misses out on the action.
The tournament’s format is designed to maximize competition and entertainment value. Teams will earn three points for a regulation win, two points for an overtime or shootout victory, and one point for an overtime or shootout loss. A regulation loss results in zero points. The two squads with the most points after the round-robin stage will clash in the championship game, where the stakes will be higher and the intensity will reach new levels. With star-studded rosters, the 4 Nations Face-Off is a must-watch event for hockey fans worldwide.
The rosters for the tournament are a who’s who of NHL talent, featuring some of the most recognizable names in the sport. Team Canada, led by head coach Jon Cooper and captain Sidney Crosby, boasts a lineup that includes Connor McDavid, Cale Makar, and Nathan MacKinnon. The United States, coached by Mike Sullivan and captained by Auston Matthews, features players like Charlie McAvoy, Matthew Tkachuk, and Jack Hughes. Sweden, under the guidance of head coach Sam Hallam and captain Victor Hedman, includes stars like Erik Karlsson and William Nylander. Finland, coached by Antti Pennanen and captained by Aleksander Barkov, boasts a formidable squad with players like Sebastian Aho and Mikko Rantanen. These teams are stacked with talent, ensuring that every game will be a showcase of skill and determination.
The 4 Nations Face-Off is more than just a hockey tournament—it’s an opportunity to celebrate the sport’s global appeal and bring fans together. Given its innovative format and the caliber of talent involved, this event is sure to leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re a die-hard hockey fan or a casual observer, the 4 Nations Face-Off offers something for everyone. With its high-octane action, strategic gameplay, and star-studded rosters, this tournament is set to be one of the highlights of the hockey season. Mark your calendars, tune in, and get ready to experience elite-level hockey at its finest.
