Evander Kane makes a firm statement on social media after Canada vs USA at 4 Nations Faceoff

The Canadian Oilers forward has missed their entire season to this point recovering from surgery, but he's still clearly dialled in to the game and itching to get back to playing a physical style of hockey.

Evander Kane took to social media last night to show his support for the way the players leaned into the rivalry and dropped the gloves. It was an electric start to the game that drew in casual fans from every sport, as Kane said, selling the game to everyone.

There was plenty of hype around the rivalry between Canada and the USA after not playing international best on best in nearly a decade, as well as debates surrounding the national anthem booing.

The players understood the hype, and lived up to it in a way that's drawing in all casual sports fans - and it's also reigniting the debate of fighting having a place in hockey. Even the most skilled player in the world, Connor McDavid, backed his Canadian teammates answering the bell.

The NHL hit a grand slam home run by replacing the All-Star Game with the 4 Nations Faceoff, a tournament that's creating buzz among all major sports leagues and fans. Canada and USA's electric start solidified the public opinion.

International best on best will always create buzz, but when players lean into the rivalry and the physicality allowed in the sport of hockey is when something truly special occurs.

Last night's game was an even that will be talked about by hockey fans for decades - and the fights had a lot to do with it.