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.

In overtime, after a peppering of opportunities on both ends, Connor McDavid finally hit the dagger to send Canada to 4 Nations glory. 68 minutes of hard-nosed hockey—sealed by arguably the best player in the world. If it isn’t the storyline you asked for, it’s the one that makes the most sense.