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Stars Players Shining at 4 Nations Face-Off

Patrick Smith   |  

Feb 19, 2025

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All-Star games in the NHL are opportunities for players on each team to showcase the talent of their home club.

The Dallas Stars sent many players to this year’s adaptation of the All-Star game, the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Several of these players displayed their talent in a tournament, brandishing widespread attention.

This tournament is a volatile affair so far, with two teams remaining for the ultimate bout on Thursday.

One of two remaining Stars players will take home the trophy in the Championship game. Fans are welcoming the 4 Nations Face-Off with its massive ratings alongside its intensity.

Thursday’s Final will grip hockey fans in North America with must-see TV.

The Stars return to business on Saturday, with several players returning after a fruitful break.

Finland

PHOTO: Eric Bolte/Imagn Images

Finland placed the most Stars players on their roster with three. Selecting Mikael Granlund, Esa Lindell, and Roope Hintz added solid additions to their lineup. Mikael Granlund led the Finns with three goals and four points in their three games. Esa Lindell joined the scoring side with a goal against Canada.

Granlund almost single-handedly completed a late comeback against Canada, scoring twice in 23 seconds to pull Finland within one. Granlund also netted the overtime winner in their match with Sweden. Going 0-1-0-2 wasn’t Finland’s plan but Stars players provided their many talents for the Finnish side.

Canada

No Canadian Stars players qualified for the Roster at the start of the tournament. Thomas Harley flew to Montreal on Saturday after being called to replace an injury on the roster. Harley and Wyatt Johnston prepared to depart for a vacation in Cabo when Canada called for Harley’s help.

He played over 18 minutes in a riveting affair against the United States. Harley is available for Canada’s final game, and millions of viewers are heavily anticipating this game.

United States

Jake Oettinger tended to goal for the United States’ only loss of the Round Robin. Oettinger stopped 21 out of 23 shots in their only tournament loss in a 2-1 affair. Resting starters for the big game remained a pivotal strategy as the United States already clinched a bout in the championship game.

Oettinger is a stellar goaltender who will prepare to back up Connor Hellyebuck in the final game.

The Ultimate Final

Rivalries in hockey bring another level of intensity. The Canada/US rivalry already brought exciting affairs long before this tournament. Saturday in Montreal lit the dynamite for fans of both nations. Actions during the National Anthem brought controversy to an already charged atmosphere.

This game treated the hockey world to an exciting contest with three fights in the first nine seconds.

Millions watched this tantalizing bout of a 3-1 United States victory, setting non-Stanley Cup Final records unseen in a long time. Boston will host an even more dramatic showdown as the two biggest rivals in hockey at the moment battle for a chance at the crown on Thursday night. Thomas Harley or Jake Oettinger will return to the Stars with bragging rights as they continue their schedule.

Regular hockey returns to normal programming Saturday in New Jersey. The Stars will continue their 6-game road trip split in half by the break.

This 4 Nations Face-Off is receiving high praise for the level of intensity in bringing entertaining hockey.

Most hockey fans will tune in to watch the colossal matchup on Thursday before returning to NHL hockey on Saturday.

PHOTO: Eric Bolte/Imagn Images

By Patrick Smith

Dallas Stars Nation Blogger. You can time how fast I skate with a calendar. Lifetime GAA about 12.50.

Categorized:News Stars