Mitch Marner scored a sensational goal in overtime, leading Canada to a 4-3 overtime victory over Czechia in the men’s hockey quarterfinals.
Ondrej Palat broke a tie during the third period, giving Czechia a 3-2 lead. Palat scored off a 3-on-2 rush for his first goal of the tournament, and Canada’s tournament appeared to be in dire straits. Nick Suzuki equalized for Canada with three minutes remaining, tipping home a point shot from Devon Toews, forcing overtime. Canada appeared to be on the brink of elimination, before Suzuki scored, then Marner emerged as the overtime hero with his first goal of the tournament.
Macklin Celebrini opened the scoring three minutes into the contest, depositing a feed from Connor McDavid for a 1-0 Canada lead. Lukas Sedlak equalized for Czechia, then David Pastrnak added a power play marker just under 15 minutes into the first period, for a 2-1 lead.
Nathan MacKinnon equalized for Canada during the second frame, once again set up by McDavid and Celebrini.
Sidney Crosby suffered a lower-body injury during the second period and did not return. Crosby tried to avoid a hit from Czechia defenceman Radko Gudas, and fell awkwardly. After working with the training staff on the bench for a few minutes, Canada’s captain went to the locker room. Suzuki took over on Crosby’s line, with Marner and Mark Stone on the wings.
Jordan Binnington made a massive stop on a Martin Necas breakaway with 1:10 remaining, to keep the game tied in regulation. Binnington made 20 saves in the winning effort, once again providing his bonafides as Canada’s No. 1 goaltender.
Canada will face Switzerland if it defeats Finland, provided the United States defeats Sweden. If Sweden defeats the United States, and Switzerland holds on for a victory over Finland, Canada will face Sweden in the semifinals.
Exhale, Canada. That was an instant classic, punctuated by the best goal of Mitch Marner’s career.
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