There seems like a rite of passage between generational Canadian hockey players once they play with each other on the international stage or play together in the NHL, a torch of leadership gets passed.

Oilers captain Connor McDavid's golden goal from Thursday night's 4 Nations Face-Off championship game still doesn't quite feel real.

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.