The symbolism was unmistakable when Connor McDavid delivered the moment that kept Team Canada atop the podium to cap the NHL’s reintroduction to top-tier international competition at the 4 Nations Face-Off. Same countries. Same score. Another once-in-a-generation player delivering the dagger.

Hockey fans witnessed an all-time classic on Thursday night in the 4 Nations Final. Team Canada and Team USA went back and forth all night long. However, it was Team Canada that emerged victorious from the 4 Nations Final in Boston. Nathan MacKinnon won MVP honors for the tournament after Connor McDavid scored the proverbial Golden Goal.

There seems like a rite of passage between generational Canadian hockey players once they play with each other on the international stage or play together in the NHL, a torch of leadership gets passed.