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.

Connor McDavid etched his name in Canadian hockey history with a golden goal Thursday in Boston, winning the game 3-2 in overtime to secure a tournament title that felt bigger than anything ever played during an All-Star break. After 68 minutes of intense, high-level play, it took just one Team USA defensive lapse for Canada to win it.