Team Canada vs Team USA: Comparing arch rivals' best player in each key position

Heading into tonight's 4 Nations Face-Off Final between Team Canada vs Team USA, the stakes couldn't be higher for both teams. The last time they shared the ice, things quickly popped off, with fans booing each other's national anthem and three fights just moments after puck drop.

While Canada sits atop the global stage as the winningest team in international hockey competition, Team USA was able to pick up a dominant 3-1 win in their first meeting of the tournament.

Between Connor Hellebuyck's remarkable netminding, the team's physical play, and an ability to generate odd-man rushes, the US is heading into tonight's game with plenty of momentum.

Ahead of the Team Canada vs Team USA final, let's take a look at the best players for both teams in each key position.

Team Canada vs Team USA comparing the best players in each key position

NHL: 4 Nations Face Off-USA vs Finland - Source: Imagn

Forwards: Auston Matthews vs Connor McDavid

Throughout the 4 Nations Face-Off, Team USA captain Auston Matthews has struggled to find his rhythm. While his inability to find the back of the net hasn't hindered Team USA, who clinched a spot in the finals early, the matchup between him and Connor McDavid tonight will certainly be one to watch.

On the flip side, Connor McDavid will be under the microscope tonight as the team looks for him to play a key role in the Team Canada vs Team USA final. Currently, McDavid is tied for second for most points scored in this tournament with four.

Although his play has been impressive, it all comes down to tonight's Team Canada vs Team USA final.

NHL: 4 Nations Face Off-USA vs Finland - Source: Imagn

Defense: Jaccob Slavin vs Drew Doughty

Throughout the 4 Nations Face-Off, Jaccob Slavin has proved invaluable for Team USA. As one of the best defenders in the NHL, Slavin has stepped up in a big way for his country in the absence of Charlie McAvoy, who has been in the hospital with an infection in his shoulder.

So far, Team USA has repeatedly shown a level of physical play that has been a step above the competition, and much of that comes down to Slavin's play. On the flip side, Drew Doughty, a force to be reckoned with on the international stage over the past decade, has earned his status as one of Canada's best defensemen throughout the 4 Nations Face-Off.

After playing the second-least minutes of any defensive player in Canada's opening game, Doughty jumped up to the second-most minutes of any Canadian defenseman for Canada's first game with the US. So far this tournament, Doughty's proven himself to be the best defender Canada has against the US.

NHL: 4 Nations Face Off-USA vs Canada - Source: Imagn

Goalies: Connor Hellebuyck vs Jordan Binnington

The most obvious key matchup of the 4 Nations Team Canada vs Team USA final, is the goalie battle between Connor Hellebuyck and Jordan Binnington. Throughout the tournament, Hellebuyck, who seems poised to go back-to-back as this year's NHL Vezina winner, has been nothing short of dominant.

Across two games, Hellebuyck let up just two goals, one to Finland, and one to Canada. Heading into tonight's game, which Team USA hopes to win for Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, Hellebuyck's dominance could prove to be the x-factor for Team USA.

On the flip side, while Binnington has impressed, he was left unable to keep up with the United States' unrelenting offense. While he's been the second-best goalie of the tournament, only time will tell whether it's enough to help Canada secure the win.