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.

Despite being the first team to secure its spot in the final with a 3-1 win over the Canadians in the round-robin, the United States was hindered by an ailing bench and stifled by an opposing goalie in Jordan Binnington on Thursday night.

Team USA came close to giving the President and his supporters a sort of first MAGA world title, but ultimately fell short in overtime.