So while Canada found a way again — following the same script as Vancouver 2010 where Team USA won the round-robin matchup between the two countries but Team Canada prevailed when it truly mattered in the end — anyone who knows the game can see the gap has shrunk over the past 15 years.

Canada’s men’s hockey team defeated the USA 3-2 in overtime Thursday to capture the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off Championship as the NHL put on a show in the first edition of this midseason international tournament.

With the 4 Nations Face-Off winner now crowned, attention turns to the remainder of the NHL regular season. Habs hockey resumes Saturday, when the Canadiens take on the Senators in Ottawa—then head right back home to entertain fans at Sunday’s annual skills competition at the Bell Centre.