That was a close call for Team Canada against Czechia in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. For more than a heartbeat, it seemed like the game had crossed the point of no return, with Team Czechia clearly overpowering Sidney Crosby and company for the most part.
Hope, however, was restored when Nick Suzuki drew the Canadians level late on, and the rest was taken care of by Mitch Marner in overtime.
Social Media Erupts as Mitch Marner Paves the Way for Team Canada
The faint hope that Canada was desperately clinging to was shattered in an instant when Ondrej Palat scored a devastating goal in the third period. The sun seemed to have set on Sidney Crosby’s dream of a third Olympic gold medal, but Suzuki had other plans.
The Montreal Canadiens star scored with less than four minutes remaining in an unbelievably thrilling third period, giving Team Canada a final chance to salvage the game and its Olympic dream.
Marner repeated his glorious feat from the 4 Nations Face-Off to score during overtime, concluding the nail-biting saga of the quarterfinals at Milan-Cortina. The showdown kept viewers on the edge of their seats at all times, and no sooner had the match ended than social media resounded with journalists and commentators lauding Marner’s extraordinary feat.
“Just like at the 4 Nations Face-Off, Mitch Marner is the OT hero, Canada is going to the semifinals at the Olympics,” TSN reporter Mark Masters shared on his X handle.
Just like at the 4 Nations Face-Off, Mitch Marner is the OT hero
🇨🇦 is going to the semifinals at the Olympics
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) February 18, 2026
“MITCH MARNER THE HERO What a move. What a goal. What a player. He sends Canada into the semifinal. Oh baby for sure,” CBC Olympics and Paralympics reporter David Heroux wrote.
In the wake of Marner’s extraordinary score, former NHL goalie Roberto Luongo said it was as if the winger was born to wear the Maple Leaf.
Marner was born to wear that maple leaf on his chest 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
— Strombone (@strombone1) February 18, 2026
Former NHL defenseman and Olympic gold medalist Chris Pronger could not help but express his utter bemusement at the freak victory that Canada pulled off. “Wow, Canada tempted fate but found a way to come out victorious. Tip of the cap to Czechia. Fantastic in a losing effort.”
Wow 🤯 Canada🇨🇦 tempted fate but found a way to come out victorious. Tip of the cap to Czechia. Fantastic in a losing effort.
— Chris Pronger (@chrispronger) February 18, 2026
Brad Marchand, being himself, did not miss the opportunity to poke some fun in the wake of Canada’s cinematic win against Czechia. “I’ve been saying for years that Mitch Marner is my favourite player. And it’s never been truer than today,” NHL Network’s Jackie Redmond reported on social media.
Just saw Brad Marchand:
“Jackie, I’ve been saying for years that Mitch Marner is my favourite player. And it’s never been truer than today.” 😂#MilanoCortina2026 #Olympics #TeamCanada
— Jackie Redmond (@Jackie_Redmond) February 18, 2026
The victory has taken Canada a step closer to the gold medal. While most of the tournament to this point has been an effortless ride for the team, the quarterfinal showdown put every player on the roster to the test. This was, after all, the first time the Canadians had trailed in an Olympic best-on-best since 2010.
On the bright side, the close battle proved that the Maple Leafs have it in them to kick things up a notch when it’s crunch time.
According to NHL PR’s X account, Marner’s OT goal (1:22) was the fastest ever in any Olympic game involving NHL players.
As Team Canada advances to the semis, this fierce quarterfinal battle is one that could very well pave the way as they set their sights on Olympic gold.
