4 Nations Face-Off Final Draws Over 15 Million Viewers

The 4 Nations Face-Off championship game between Canada and the USA drew record viewership, with 9.3 million viewers on ESPN, surpassing the previous NHL record set in 2019. The game, held in Boston, ended with Canada winning 3-2 in overtime, marked by a thrilling performance from Connor McDavid, who scored the winning goal. The total audience across North America exceeded 15 million when including Canadian viewership from Sportsnet, which averaged 5.7 million. This event gained heightened interest due to political tensions between the two nations, contributing to its status as the most-watched hockey game ever on ESPN, including non-NFL events. The success of the tournament has sparked discussions about the viability of more best-on-best formats in hockey, in contrast to traditional All-Star Games. The intense rivalry and passionate play showcased during the tournament could influence future international competitions, including the upcoming Olympics.