The American hockey team faced a hostile reception in Montreal during the 4 Nations Face-Off, enduring loud boos from Canadian fans during their entrance and even throughout the playing of the "Star-Spangled Banner." Despite the blatant disrespect for the anthem, the U.S. squad remained composed and let their performance on the ice speak for itself.

Star forward Matthew Tkachuk, who netted two goals in the game, succinctly addressed the incident post-game, stating his disapproval of the fans' behavior. His performance, however, demonstrated a clear focus on the game, leading Team USA to a decisive 6-1 victory over Finland.

The game remained close until the third period, with the score at 2-1. Team USA then exploded for four goals, solidifying their dominance. This win comes after Tkachuk's recent visit to the White House with the Stanley Cup-winning Florida Panthers, where he expressed his gratitude for being American.

The booing of the American anthem by Canadian fans has become increasingly common in recent years, coinciding with political tensions between the two countries. Past instances of similar behavior have been observed among fans of the Toronto Raptors and Ottawa Senators.

Team USA and Team Canada, considered the tournament favorites, are scheduled to face off on Saturday. Given the existing hockey rivalry and the current political climate, the atmosphere is expected to be charged, with potential for more displays of animosity from the Canadian crowd.