VICTORY FOR THE NHL: Four Nations Faceoff proves that hockey is indeed on the rise

One week ago, questions surrounded how the Four Nations would turn out, now it's a victory for the hockey world

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By Anthony Pellegrino @Pellegrinoap50 IceInsider.com Predators All Access Reporter

Ten days ago, the hockey world questioned the potential of the Four Nations Faceoff. How would players react to national games instead of an all-star game, playing almost solely for the pride of one's country?

Well, Pride. It's all it took.

Pride caused two game-seven-like performances out of the greatest players in the NHL. Two games, two teams.

USA vs Canada.

It's a rivalry that forever remains. Over the years players have come and gone, but the goal remains the same, yet the meaning of the rivalry has somewhat changed.

In the modern era, the Red White, and Blue look to prove that they've become the stomping grounds for hockey. As for Canada, protecting the right that they still are the world standard for hockey.

Saturday night became the first time since 2016 that players in the NHL would get a chance to represent USA and Canada, in the storied rivalry.

"The first nine seconds", that's how the game will go down in hockey history.

In just the initial two seconds, Matthew Tkachuk clashed with Canada's Brandon Hagel, sparking an intensity that echoed through the Bell Center.

Yet, on this night, the Bell Center became more than just a hockey venue.

It turned into the world stage, where the United States faced off against Canada in the most iconic matchup in hockey.

(C/ Getty/Minas Panagiotakis)

Seconds after the fight, Matthew's brother, Brady Tkachuk, would fight Sam Bennett, throwing him down back-first onto the ice.

It wasn't over just yet. As the first shot of the game reached Jordan Binnington, a three-party scrum emerged in front of the net. Eventually leading to a 6'6 Colton Parayko fighting JT Miller.

Three fights, nine seconds.

The game became a hit because of the start. Headlines sparked social media with the fury rekindling the USA vs Canada rivalry.

A victory for the NHL. The game became a hit, and it reached over 10.1 Million viewers in North America. 4.4 million viewers in the US, and 5.7 million Canadian viewers.

Nearly 15 percent of Canada's entire population tuned in for the rivalry.

USA would go on to beat Canada in the game 3-1, securing a spot in the championship round on Thursday.

Canada's 5-3 win over Finland earned them the second spot in the game, meaning a rematch against USA.

An astonishing 16.1 Million viewers tuned into the game across North America. ESPN, who carried the game for USA, averaged 9.3 Million viewers, while Sportsnet averaged 6.9 Million viewers for Canada.

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The game became the most-watched non-Olympic hockey game to date.

All coming back to national pride. Mike Eruzione, the captain of USA's 1980 "Miracle on Ice" team, met the greatest hockey player of all time, Canada's Wayne Gretzky at center ice for a ceremonial puck drop.

The contest ended as Connor McDavid scored the game-winner in overtime and Canada got revenge on the U.S., 3-2. Following the game, Emily Kaplan asked the face of Canada what non-hockey fans should take away from the game:

“What do you hope they learned about our sport?” Kaplan said.

“I hope they love it,” he said. “It’s a great game. It’s a great sport. And I hope we put on a good show these last couple of days and gained some fans. Ultimately, you can’t ask for a better show than that."