Czechia edges Canada with late goal in thrilling quarterfinal

Czechia - Canada 4-3

The game could not have started better for the visitors. Less than a minute in, Petr Sikora redirected a pass from Vojtech Hradec past Canadian goaltender Carter George, silencing the boisterous home crowd of 18,254.

Discipline soon became a thorn in Canada’s side, as Cole Beaudoin’s dangerous knee-on-knee hit resulted in a five-minute major and game misconduct. The Canadians managed an improbable short-handed goal to tie it at 1-1, thanks to Tanner Howe’s sharp finish off a brilliant Brayden Yager setup.

However, the Czechs capitalized on their extended power play. A bizarre own-goal by Canadian defender Sam Dickinson put Czechia back on top. Eduard Salé delivered another blow, finishing a pinpoint pass from Matej Mastalirsky with just 2.1 seconds remaining in the period to give Czechia a commanding 3-1 lead.

The second period was a defensive clinic by the Czechs, but Canada found a spark late. After Berkly Catton drew a tripping penalty, Tanner Molendyk’s point shot was tipped in by Porter Martone, cutting the deficit to 3-2.

The third period was all Canada, as they poured on the pressure and outshot Czechia 14-6. Their persistence paid off when Bradly Nadeau pounced on a rebound at 15:42 to tie the game at 3-3. The crowd erupted, believing in a potential comeback.

Canada’s momentum was halted by yet another untimely penalty, this time for kneeing by Andrew Gibson. Czechia made no mistake with the man advantage. Jecho’s blistering shot beat George, securing the win with mere seconds to spare.

Czechia advances to their third straight semifinal, aiming for another medal to add to their recent collection of silver and bronze. Meanwhile, Canada’s early exit marks one of their worst performances on home ice, with their offensive struggles (just 13 goals in the tournament) underlining their disappointment.

 

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