Bruins Charlie McAvoy making huge impact for USA at 4 Nations Face-Off NBC Boston [Video]

BOSTON — Charlie McAvoy consistently sets the tone for the Boston Bruins in important games, and he’s done the same — and then some — for the United States at the NHL’s new 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.

McAvoy made his presence felt right away in Saturday’s much-anticipated showdown against Canada at the Bell Centre in Montreal. He laid out Edmonton Oilers superstar center Connor McDavid with a huge hit along boards in the first period. It was a bone-crushing collision that took out the world’s best player, and at a time when the Canadians were absolutely flying with a 1-0 lead.

The hit, in many ways, was a turning point for the U.S. as Jake Guentzel scored just 19 seconds later to tie the score.

Team USA ended up scoring three unanswered goals to secure a 3-1 victory and clinch a spot in Thursday night’s championship game at TD Garden in Boston.

McAvoy led the United States with five hits in that game, including two …