The 4 Nations Face-Off was a game-changer. How will the NHL capitalize on it -- and what comes next for its midseason events?

Either the U.S. or Canada claims the championship of the NHL's 4 Nations Face-Off midseason tournament Thursday — but the league has already won. Why it matters: The tournament has delivered everything All-Star Games across sports have come to lack: The players care,

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.

There was outstanding goaltending on both sides, Connor Hellebuyck robbed Cale Makar with seconds left in regulation and Jordan Binnington thwarted Auston Matthews three times in overtime. And to top it off the best player world, Connor McDavid, beat the best goalie in the world, Hellebuyck, to seal the win.

That event in USA Hockey inspired a generation of players: my generation,” said U.S. coach Mike Sullivan, who was 11 when the Americans won the gold medal in Lake Placid. “I think this group that we have in our dressing room have an opportunity to do that and inspire the next generation.