The result was the culmination of a midseason tournament that featured stars from Canada, Finland, Sweden and the United States — and a surprisingly political atmosphere.

There was outstanding goaltending on both sides, Connor Hellebuyck robbed Cale Makar with seconds left in regulation and Jordan Binnington thwarted Auston Matthews three times in overtime. And to top it off the best player world, Connor McDavid, beat the best goalie in the world, Hellebuyck, to seal the win.

The U.S. and Canada men’s ice hockey teams, set to play in the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament final on Thursday night, have come to represent more than just their athletic skill. On both sides of the border, the rivalry in the rink has been seen by some as an extension of the political tensions between the once-friendly allies.