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.

Don’t call it a passing of the torch. At least not around Connor McDavid. “I think you’re gonna see Sid in 12 months,” said No. 97, who put himself into the same echelon as No. 87 on Thursday night in Boston.

McDavid’s goal capped a final in which Canada twice erased Team USA leads. MacKinnon and Sam Bennett scored for Canada in regulation, while Brady Tkachuk and Jake Sanderson found the net for the Americans.