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.

Despite not having a chance to reach the championship, Sweden played the role of spoiler and came away with a 2-1 win over the United States in Monday's final round-robin game in the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.

Ahead of the 4 Nations Face-Off championship, let’s take a look at the rivalry between the United States and Canada.

Canada has beaten Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off in an overtime thriller, 3-2, Thursday night in Boston. Connor McDavid scored the game winner to become a national hero and hockey legend. After dropping the first meeting against Team USA on Saturday in Montreal,

A look at the future of both the Canadian and American national teams and how the next wave of stars for both countries could fit in.

Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, died on Aug. 29 when they were struck by an alleged drunk driver, who has been charged with two counts of death by auto, while riding bicycles near their home in Salem County, New Jersey.

It's hard to put a finger on the true stakes of Thursday night's 4 Nations Face-Off final in Boston. After all, this tournament didn't exist a year ago and, up until just about a week ago, was one people doubted anyone would care about -- including the players participating.

Who cares about the a contrived hockey exhibition? The players do, and it’s their fight, more than their fights, that has us tuning in.

Team USA defeated Team Canada 3-1 in both team's second match at the NHL's 4 Nations Face-Off on Saturday night. It was an incredible effort by the Stars and Stripes to overcome a physical showing by the Canadians in their first best-on-best meeting since the 2016 World Cup.

It's safe to say the 4 Nations Face-Off has been a success for the NHL. On Saturday night, Team USA and Canada met in a game of epic proportions. USA Hockey walked into Bell Centre in Montreal and handed Canada their first tournament loss in their backyard.

Ahead of the final 4 Nations game between the United States and Canada, be sure to show your USA hockey pride by grabbing some of the best 4 Nations gear right here:

Team USA won that game 3-1 ... some of the best moments in international play between Canada and the United States caught on film.