Entering what now is a two-week break from the NHL season, four nations are competing for a trophy in a tournament featuring some of the game’s biggest stars. On Wednesday night before a packed crowd at Bell Centre, Canada hosted Sweden in the first game. It looked like they’d roll to an easy victory, but the Swedes rallied in the third period to make up a two-goal deficit to force overtime.

Unlike the NHL, the rules for 4-Nations are a bit different. Instead of playing three-on-three format for five minutes, the teams play it for 10 minutes. If last night was any indication, we could be in for an exciting tournament. Three-on-three is about as wild as it gets. When you throw in superstars like Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, and Connor McDavid, it’s exhilarating to watch.

Admittedly, I didn’t tune in for most of regulation. But there was no way I was missing overtime. To think of what I would have missed. Canada controlled most of the overtime by creating dangerous scoring chances off end-to-end rushes. MacKinnon had three opportunities to be the hero, but Swedish goalie Filip Gustavsson made the clutch stops to keep the game going. He was outstanding for Sweden, finishing with 24 saves.

The Swedes didn’t have the puck as much in OT. But when they did, they came close a couple of times to winning it. Mika Zibanejad had a good chance when he was set up for a one-timer by Viktor Arvidsson. But Canadian goalie Jordan Binnington got across to keep it out. His best save came when he denied Adrian Kempe from in close to prevent Sweden from coming all the way back.

Moments later, Mitch Marner took a Crosby drop pass in the neutral zone, gained the Swedish zone and ripped a wrist shot high blocker past Gustavsson to give Canada a thrilling 4-3 win in overtime at 6:06. Loud cheers followed from the pro-Canadian crowd in Montreal. They came to see a show and got it.

There was the rarity of seeing them cheer when Brayden Point fed Brad Marchand to put Canada up 2-0 in the first period. Normally, Marchand is met with jeers due to playing for one of the Habs’ biggest rivals, the Bruins. But that’s what makes this tournament unique. While Marner got plenty of love from the crowd after being named the game’s second star, USA captain Auston Matthews was booed prior to the game during the introduction. Like Marner, he also plays for the Maple Leafs but is on the enemy.

The loudest ovation was for Crosby when he was presented with the game’s first star by Vincent Damphousse. Chants of “Cros-by, Cros-by!” broke out from appreciative fans who have the utmost respect for the all-time great. That was followed by the playing of the Canadian anthem. As is tradition with international play, the anthem of the winning country is played.

Tonight, it’s USA taking on Finland. The game can be seen on ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN-Plus. Faceoff is 8 PM.

In a twisted irony, both Chris Kreider and Kaapo Kakko will be healthy scratches for tonight’s game. Kreider is the extra forward for USA while Kakko is for Finland. Obviously, it’s disappointing for both. I still believe Kreider can be an asset for the Americans due to his net front presence and experience. Interestingly, Vincent Trocheck and J.T. Miller will kill penalties together.

If there’s one thing nobody wants to see, it’s an injury to a key player. Shea Theodore became the first victim last night. It doesn’t sound good for the Golden Knights defenseman.

USA will feature Jack Eichel playing with Kyle Connor and Matthew Tkachuk. Jack Hughes starts with Matthews and Jake Guentzel. On his way to a third Vezina, Connor Hellebuyck is the starter.

I like the USA defense pairs. Zach Werenski with Charlie McAvoy as the top pair is a healthy balance. Ditto for Adam Fox teamed with Jaccob Slavin. Noah Hanifin and Brock Faber comprise the third pair. If there is a player missing who deserved to be part of it, John Carlson would be that guy. He still is getting it done for the Capitals, who only have the best record in the Eastern Conference. No Caps are participating in the tournament which excludes Russia. I’m not going to get into that.

Anyway, I didn’t think I’d be into these games. But I like how the presentation. So. I’ll be watching our boys take on Finland. It should be fun.