Canada can thank three guys, but especially Nick Suzuki

Marc-Olivier Cook
Canada can thank three guys, but especially Nick Suzuki
Credit: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

What a game we had today between Canada and the Czech Republic!

One thing's for sure: Mitch Marner loves playing for the maple leaf logo. As long as the jersey is red and white… and not blue and white. Hehe. Seriously though, let's give credit to the former Leafs player, who once again stepped up to be the hero in overtime. We remember when he scored the game-winning goal in overtime.mitch-marner-gives-canada-overtime-win/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>play the hero in overtime. Remember, he also scored in overtime for Canada during the 4 Nations Challenge.

That said, Marner's goal would never have been possible if Nick Suzuki hadn't outplayed Lukas Dostal late in the game to tie the score. The Canadiens captain undoubtedly had a strong game after returning to his center position. He had been playing on the wing since the start of the tournament, and let's be honest, he seemed to be struggling to find his rhythm. But Connor McDavid acknowledged after the game that Suzuki's goal was huge for Canada. Marner may have scored the game-winning goal, but the real unsung hero of the game was Suzuki.

Jon Cooper also praised him during his press conference.

The team's coach admitted that Suzuki took charge after Crosby was injured and saw him get better as the game progressed. Cooper decided to put his trust in him at the end of the game… and it worked.

For a guy who – according to many – didn't deserve to be there…

In all this, we must also recognize the brilliant work of Jordan Binnington in front of the Leafs' net.

Say what you will about the man himself, but he is building a reputation as a gamer. He thrives in big moments, and we saw that again today as he was excellent in the third period to help his team get the win.
Eric Engels is right: the guy deserves an apology.

You could say that Canada had a lucky escape in a way. It's a good thing those guys were there, and it's especially here that we realize how much depth Canada has in its lineup.

Anyone can contribute on the ice, and we saw that today.


In brief

– Finland narrowly defeated Switzerland  with a goal by Artturi Lehkonen in overtime.

— Note:

— Yeah.

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