This is it. This is where both rivals full of future Hall of Famers finally settle the score after a physical game last week. It's one more clash between the two until the Winter Olympics roll around.
After setting viewership highs across North America in almost a decade during their last game, one can only imagine the hype for the 4 Nations gold medal - even ticket prices are, at minimum, $1,000 now.
USA's keys to the game
Despite following a loss to Sweden on Monday, the USA are still primed to put up yet another incredible fight for the championship game, whether that comes in the form of goals, the Tkachuk brothers' fists, or both.
Their 10 goals during the 4 Nations are tied for the most... with Canada. However, it's been goaltender Connor Hellebuyck who got the red, white, and blue giving up just four goals over the course of the tournament, with just one scored by Canada's Connor McDavid, the best player in all of hockey.
A key for the United States is to keep minor penalties to a minimum - and by minimum, I mean zero. Yes, they were perfect on the penalty kill last game against Canada but to think they won't come back this time around without putting one in the net with a man advantage is asinine.
While losing Charlie McAvoy for the game after he was hospitalised, the team's star defenceman - who originally participated after getting hurt before the tournament - is now en route to Boston.
The reigning Norris Trophy (best defenceman) winner in Hughes could possibly join the team for the championship game if something happens to another defenceman on the roster between now and the championship game. But if not, the United States don't have much to worry about.
Both Tkachuk brothers are good to go for Thursday and it looks like captain Auston Matthews will be as well.
Another main key focus for the USA is not letting speedsters like McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon get by them in the defensive zone and to get on the board first.
Hockey is about momentum. And in a game of the world's best hockey players, a one-goal lead might not be enough for a championship match in which a high-powered Canadian forecheck is looking for revenge.
Hellebuyck needs to remain the brick wall he's been during the 4 Nations while the Tkachuk brothers need to bring the physicality from puck-drop to the final buzzer. This is the netminder's big chance to show everyone he can win on the big stage.
Guys like Jack Eichel, Auston Matthews, and Zach Werenski need to continue to be the wonderful facilitators they are. If they can make smart passes, the Canadian backcheck will have their work cut out for them (again), even with Cale Makar playing for Canada.
Canada's keys to the game
Canada are riding their momentum after a dominant win over Finland to advance to the championship. It was like watching a team playing pissed off after losing to the USA the first time around and Finland were the unfortunate punching bag for them.
Beating Canada twice in the same tournament seems like a taller task than traversing the northernmost parts of the country during winter.
It all boils down to goaltender Jordan Binnington, whose nine goals given up is the most out of any goaltender this tournament. And for a high-scoring USA forecheck that will put pressure on every second of the game, he needs to be the foundation for a championship win.
It's no secret that Canada's forecheck will keep up the pressure every single possession. But minimising turnovers and not letting the USA get many two-on-one opportunities in the defensive end will be key to winning the matchup and helping Binnington.
Another key point is to take complete advantage of any power play chance they get. The USA has four of the top 10 most penalised players of the tournament.
If it wasn't for the fight last game, Canada's three in the top 10 in penalty minutes wouldn't even be there. Even two of them would be replaced by two other USA players.
Another key is being more physical than the Tkachuk brothers. Canada need to send a message to the USA that they're going to lay the hits with a little more emphasis during this game.
But Makar, who missed the first game, will be back this time around and could undoubtedly be a difference-maker for the Canadians in every facet of the game, especially with McAvoy out on the USA end.
Conclusion
I think fans are in for another classic no matter who wins. The USA got bragging rights after the last game, but Canada can rub it back in their faces after winning the whole thing on US turf in Boston.
For those who have never watched hockey before, let the USA-Canada game be your first.
Last time around I underestimated just how great the USA team really is even stacking up to Canada's. But this time around I think Canada don't let power plays pass them by, sending it to overtime 2-2 before taking home a 3-2 win.