The NHL 4 Nations Tournament is an international ice hockey competition that features four national teams. The structure typically involves a round-robin format, where each team plays every other team once. Points are awarded for wins (usually 3 points), overtime/shootout wins (usually 2 points), and overtime/shootout losses (usually 1 point). Regulation losses receive no points.
Such a tournament provides a crucial platform for showcasing elite talent and fostering international hockey rivalry. It benefits participating nations by providing high-level competition to prepare for other major events, like the World Championships or the Olympics. Historically, similar tournaments have offered compelling matchups and contributed to the growth and popularity of hockey globally.