canada hockey: Marner OT lifts Canada; Hughes sends USA past Sweden in tense quarter-finals
The quarter-finals produced far more drama than the star-studded rosters suggested. On Wednesday, both Canada and the United States survived last-gasp scares to reach Friday’s semifinals (ET): Canada edged the Czech Republic 4-3 in overtime on Mitch Marner’s backhand, while the U. S. beat Sweden 2-1 in extra time after Quinn Hughes answered a late tying goal.
Marner rescues Canada; Crosby leaves with an injury
Canada twice trailed in a wild contest against Czechia before rallying late and surviving another tense overtime. Nick Suzuki set up the comeback with a deflection goal 3: 27 from the end of regulation, and Mitch Marner ended the game 1: 22 into the 3-on-3 overtime with a deft backhand finish to send Canada through to the semis.
Canada’s offense featured Macklin Celebrini and Nathan MacKinnon among the scorers, while the Czechs replied through Lukas Sedlak, David Pastrnak and Ondrej Palat. The game swung wildly in the final minutes: Palat gave the Czechs the lead with 7: 42 remaining and the crowd erupted, only for Suzuki to force extra time with a determined effort that involved beating a defenseman to the puck, working it to the blue line and redirecting Devon Toews’s shot past Lukas Dostal.
Goaltender Jordan Binnington made several crucial stops, most notably denying Pastrnak on a breakaway with 70 seconds left to preserve the tie and extend the game. Coach Jon Cooper praised Marner’s knack for big moments, saying the winger “never disappoints. ” Defenseman Drew Doughty admitted the finish felt nerve-racking despite confidence in the roster.
The victory was tempered by a major concern: captain Sidney Crosby left early in the second period after his right leg buckled on a hit and he was checked into the boards. Crosby did not return. Team officials are expected to provide an update on his condition on Thursday (ET), leaving Canada to prepare for a semifinal against Finland without clarity on their captain’s availability.
Quinn Hughes answers late to lift the U. S. over Sweden
In the other late thriller, the United States survived a dramatic late push from Sweden. Jack Hughes helped create the opening when Dylan Larkin deflected his shot for the game's lone regulation tally. Sweden rallied late as Mika Zibanejad converted a tying goal with 91 seconds left in the third to force sudden-death overtime.
Quinn Hughes, who had given up the late equalizer, redeemed himself in extra time by scoring the winner and sending the U. S. into the semifinals. His postgame reaction summed up the emotional swing of the match: “Just relief. ” The Americans will meet Slovakia in one semifinal on Friday night (ET).
Both North American teams face questions despite victories. Canada must assess the health of a core leader and determine defensive matchups without a full picture on injuries. The U. S. will aim to sharpen its play after surrendering a late equalizer, but the overtime win will boost confidence heading into a quick turnaround.
What’s next
Friday’s doubleheader (ET) will pit Canada against Finland in one semifinal and the United States against Slovakia in the other. Late-stage tournament hockey tends to favor teams that can handle physicality, special teams situations and sudden momentum swings—qualities that both Canada and the U. S. will need to tighten after close calls in the quarter-finals.
With NHL talent back in the Olympic fold, expectations remain sky-high, but Wednesday’s results were a reminder that depth, discipline and timely goaltending will decide who reaches the gold-medal game.
