Subban, of course, won gold as a member of Canada’s national team at the 2014 Sochi Olympics — as well as back-to-back gold medals during the World Junior Championship in 2008-09 — while Messier was part of Team Canada for three consecutive Canada Cup gold medals and two silver medals in the World Championship and World Cup, respectively.

Just over eight minutes into overtime, Canadian star Connor McDavid sent one past Team USA goaltender Connor Hellebuyck to secure a 3–2 win and a 4 Nations Face-Off title for Canada. THERE IT IS! THE GAME WINNER! THE TOURNAMENT WINNER! 😱😱😱 CONNOR MCDAVID HAS WON IT FOR CANADA!!! #4Nations pic.twitter.com/nDneA2e26K

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.