Avs Superstar Leads Canada To Crucial 4 Nations Face-Off Win, Sets Up Showdown With America

The Canadian team at the 4 Nations Face-Off faced a must-win scenario against Team Finland Monday afternoon in Boston -- and under intense pressure, the Canadians emerged with a 5-3 victory to set up a championship showdown agaist Team U.S.A. Thursday. But the win wouldn't have happened were it not for another terrific game from Colorado Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon; the Canadian forward had a two-goal performance against the Finns, and he and linemate Sidney Crosby made magic once again.

With Canada up 1-0 just 4:13 into the first period, MacKinnon struck 46 seconds later for his second goal of the 4 Nations tournament:

However, MacKinnon wasn't done there. At the 5:03 mark of the second period, he buried a phenomenal pass from Crosby to put Canada ahead 4-0:

Although the Finns nearly pulled a miraculous comeback, Canada held on for the win. And MacKinnon was given the player-of-the-game honor for his contributions.

Related: Makar, MacKinnon, Rantanen Lead List Of Avs Who Made Colorado's Quarter-Century Teams

Florida Panthers forward Sam Reinhart also had a great game, with three assists against Finland. But MacKinnon provided what turned out to be much-needed goals, and he's had an excellent tournament thus far. Canada now focuses on a battle with the unbeaten American team, but so long as MacKinnon and Crosby are on the ice together, the Canadian squad has a chance to win any game they play.