Team Canada faced a tough test against Czechia in the Olympic quarterfinal on Wednesday. The game stayed close from start to finish, and Canada had to come from behind late in the third period.
As the pressure increased, one moment changed both the result and the conversation around a player. That moment also led to a quick reaction from a former NHL player who had earlier questioned him.
Mitch Marner’s OT Winner Forces Jay Rosehill To Take Back His Words After Canada’s Win
Mitch Marner scored 1:22 into overtime to give Canada a 4-3 win over Czechia and send the team into the semifinal. The goal came after Canada tied the game late in regulation, ending a game in which Czechia pushed hard for an upset. Marner carried the puck with speed and found space before beating the goalie to finish the play.
Canada had trailed in the third period after Czechia took a 3-2 lead, but they stayed in the game. Nick Suzuki tied it with 3:27 left when he got a touch on a point shot and redirected it into the net. That goal gave Canada a chance to push the game into overtime.
After the win, Marner spoke about the importance of the moment. “Obviously, it’s a do-or-die game and one of the biggest tournaments of your life,” he said. “So, yeah, it’d be cool to, you know, after this tournament, look back on something like that, but we got some work still to do.”
Marner’s performance also led to a change in tone from former NHL player Jay Rosehill. Before the goal, he had questioned Marner’s impact by posting, “Is superstar Mitch playing in this? Haven’t seen him. Superstars step up in big games, still no?”
After the overtime winner, he responded with, “Wow. I take it back, I take it back.”
Canada coach John Cooper spoke about Marner’s play in big games. “This is one, two, three, fourth tournament I’ve coached Mitch & he’s delivered in every one of them & in the biggest moments. He is the epitome of calm. I think his pulse rate lowers when times like this come on & that’s how he makes plays like he does.”
Canada got support across the lineup in the win. Nathan MacKinnon scored, while Connor McDavid had two assists. Macklin Celebrini added a goal and two assists. Goalie Jordan Binnington made key saves late in the game to keep Canada within reach.
Canada also lost captain Sidney Crosby during the game after a hit in the second period. The team still found a way to respond and push through the final minutes. With this win, Canada moved on to face Finland in the semifinal on Feb. 20.
