canada vs czechia hockey: Marner’s backhand lifts Canada to 4-3 OT quarterfinal win
Published February 18, 2026 at 10: 47AM ET — Mitch Marner split two Czech defenders and finished on a backhand in three-on-three overtime to give Canada a 4-3 quarterfinal victory over Czechia, preserving the top-seeded team’s run toward the medal rounds.
Late drama and an overtime hero
The game swung back and forth before Marner’s decisive finish. Nick Suzuki tied the score at 3-3 with a tipped point shot with just under three and a half minutes remaining in regulation, forcing extra time. Marner then created the winning chance in three-on-three OT, beating Lukas Dostal with a slick backhand after splitting two defenders.
Jordan Binnington also played a pivotal role, turning away Martin Necas on a late breakaway just ahead of the final minute of regulation to keep Canada alive and give his team the chance to rally. The goaltender’s timely save proved critical in an elimination game where a single mistake can end a medal bid.
Scoring swings, lineup notes and injury concern
Canada struck first when Macklin Celebrini opened the scoring just over three minutes into the contest. Czechia responded through Lukas Sedlak before David Pastrnak converted a power-play opportunity five minutes later to put the visitors ahead 2-1. Celebrini was serving an interference penalty when Pastrnak scored, making that sequence one of the game’s momentum shifters; until that goal, Canada had not trailed in the tournament.
Nathan MacKinnon equalized on the power play in the second period, after Canada had spent more than 15 minutes trailing following the Czech goals. Canada dominated the middle frame in shots, outshooting Czechia 16-5 in the second, and used that pressure to regain control heading into the third.
Ondrej Palat gave Czechia a 3-2 lead with a third-period marker, but Suzuki’s late goal forced overtime and kept the contest alive for the home side. Macklin Celebrini’s stellar tournament continued — he now has five goals — and his overall production has been a dangerous constant for Canada.
The game carried an added sting when captain Sidney Crosby was ruled out ahead of the third period with a lower-body injury. Crosby left the bench about six minutes into the second after an awkward hit from Radko Gudas and limped toward the dressing room. His absence will be monitored closely as Canada advances.
Milestones and tournament context
Connor McDavid assisted on Canada’s first two goals, tying the all-time points mark for a single Olympics with NHL players at 11. That puts him alongside historical performances from past tournaments. The Edmonton native is making his Olympic debut with NHL participation and has already compiled a deep international resume.
Macklin Celebrini’s seven points in the tournament match a teenage Olympic record set by a previous standout, highlighting the youth contribution that has helped Canada through the preliminary rounds. Canada had earlier taken top seed by outscoring opponents heavily in the group stage, including a 5-0 win over Czechia in the opening match, so the quarterfinal presented an unexpectedly tight test despite the rematch history.
Not dressed for the game were Sam Bennett, Josh Morrissey and Darcy Kuemper, who were the only players to take part in the morning skate and served as scratches. With the medal rounds now approaching, Canada will be watching injury updates closely, particularly on Crosby, while celebrating the clutch plays from veterans and rising stars alike.
