Tensions flared during the U.S. versus Canada 4 Nations Face-Off hockey match on Saturday night, as the "Star-Spangled Banner" was met with boos from the Canadian crowd, sparking immediate on-ice altercations. The Americans ultimately secured a 3-1 victory at Montreal's Bell Centre, but the pre-game atmosphere and subsequent fights dominated the narrative.

Team USA forward Matthew Tkachuk (right) celebrates his goal with defenseman Zach Werenski during the Team Finland game at Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Feb. 13, 2025. (David Kirouac-Imagn Images)

U.S. defenseman Zach Werenski expressed his displeasure with the booing, acknowledging that the team anticipated such a reaction given similar incidents in previous NHL games, particularly after past trade disputes and political commentary. While acknowledging the unwelcoming environment, Werenski emphasized the team's resolve to use the negativity as motivation, which proved successful in their win against Finland earlier in the tournament.

Canada's Brandon Hagel and Matthew Tkachuk of the U.S. fight during their 4 Nations Face-Off game in Montreal on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)

The game's opening seconds witnessed three separate fights erupt simultaneously. Matthew Tkachuk squared off against Brandon Hagel immediately after the puck dropped, while his brother Brady engaged with Sam Bennett, and J.T. Miller clashed with Colton Parayko. Brady Tkachuk later explained that his brother's fight was spontaneous, fueled by a pre-game desire to confront Hagel. Hagel himself considered the altercation a long-overdue confrontation with Tkachuk.

Canada's Brandon Hagel fights with United States' Matthew Tkachuk in Montreal on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (Graham Hughes//The Canadian Press via AP)

Despite Conor McDavid's initial goal for Canada, the U.S. responded with a goal from Jake Guentzel. Dylan Larkin then secured the lead for the Americans in the second period, and Guentzel sealed the victory with an empty-net goal. Guentzel commented on the electrifying, albeit tense, atmosphere of the game, noting the team's excitement to play in such a charged environment.