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MONTREAL — Sam Bennett has known Connor McDavid since they were little kids, playing minor hockey as linemates before the age of 10.
In last year’s Stanley Cup Final, he was on the opposing side of McDavid as the Oilers made an impressive comeback from a 3-0 deficit to push the series to a Game 7. Despite the Panthers ultimately taking the series, McDavid clinched the Conn Smythe Trophy.
Therefore, when Bennett discusses the significance of the upcoming USA-Canada game for McDavid, who hasn’t yet experienced this high-stakes rivalry, it’s clear that his words hold weight.
Following Canada’s practice on Friday, Bennett emphasized McDavid’s desire to win. After the recent victory against Sweden, Bennett noted McDavid’s elation, highlighting his unwavering passion for winning, which Bennett respects and admires.
Stages like this are where legends get written.
All McDavid has to do for a reminder is to look a few stalls over in Canada’s locker room to Sidney Crosby, who scored the most famous goal of his decorated career in the 2010 Olympic final to take gold over Team USA.
McDavid was playing for the Toronto Marlies at the time, still young enough to be teammates with Bennett in the Greater Toronto Hockey League.
The team watched together.
“I just remember it being so exciting to see that goal go in,” McDavid said. “Every Canadian was excited.”
Saturday’s match between the two hockey heavyweights does not have the same stakes as an Olympic final.
After both teams won their opening matches at the 4 Nations Face-Off, the winner is all but assured a spot in the final, but it’s entirely possible — even likely — that there will be a rematch between these two teams with a trophy on the line next Thursday in Boston.
Still, it is the first best-on-best match between Canada and the United States in over eight years, and it is taking place amid heightened tensions between the two countries, with the “Star Spangled Banner” receiving boos north of the border.
“I think the feeling I have for this game,” Bennett said, “is very similar to how I felt before Game 7. Just the buildup and how badly I want this.”
For the defining player of his generation, this could be a defining game.
“It’s big. It’s exciting,” McDavid said. “Playing the Americans in Montreal, best-on-best tournament. It’s what you dream of.”