LIVE REACTION & FINAL UPDATE
GOAL: Canada Wins in OT
OT 8:38 — Canada 4, Czechia 3
Mitch Marner scores the overtime winner to send Canada to the Olympic semifinals. Canada prevails in a dramatic 4–3 thriller over Czechia.
That is the biggest goal of Marner’s career — an OT dagger on the Olympic stage. After scoring in the 4 Nations Faceoff earlier in the tournament, he now delivers the decisive moment to push Canada forward.
The game itself was instant-classic material. After years of waiting for NHL players to return to Olympic hockey, fans were rewarded with a high-intensity, back-and-forth showdown that delivered everything — momentum swings, controversy, huge saves, and overtime drama.
Jordan Binnington made critical late stops, including a massive save in overtime and a clutch denial on Martin Necas with just over a minute left in regulation to keep Canada alive.
Canada advances. Czechia exits with heads held high after a relentless performance that drew loud cheers from their supporters inside the arena.
An Olympic quarterfinal that will be remembered for a long time — and a three-on-three overtime finish that decided it in unforgettable fashion.
Sidney Crosby injury update: Team Canada’s captain left the men’s hockey quarterfinal against Czechia at the 2026 Winter Olympics after taking a hit from Radko Gudas in the second period, and Hockey Canada later confirmed Crosby would not return.
Ondrej Palat just casually knocking down Sidney Crosby lol #Isles pic.twitter.com/skhIj7McF5
— Rob Taub (@RTaub_) February 18, 2026
At the time of the update, Canada and Czechia were locked at 2–2 in the third period in Milan, with Canada trying to push through an elimination game without its top-line leader.
How the game reached 2–2
Canada opened the scoring early when Macklin Celebrini finished a play created by Connor McDavid. Czechia responded quickly as Lukas Sedlak equalized after a turnover, then David Pastrnak struck on the power play to put Czechia ahead 2–1 after the first intermission.
Crosby’s injury became the major turning point of the night. After he exited, Canada leaned on its stars and tied the game when Nathan MacKinnon scored on a power play in the second period.
Crosby ruled out after the second-period hit
Crosby was injured on a check from Radko Gudas along the boards in the second period. He left the game and did not return, with Hockey Canada later confirming he was officially out for the remainder of the quarterfinal.
Key numbers through two periods
Canada carried the pressure in shots, holding an edge of 28–15 on goal through 40 minutes. Czechia’s goaltender Lukas Dostal was busy, while Canada’s Jordan Binnington faced fewer shots but several dangerous looks. Both teams had one power-play goal through two periods.
Why this matters for Canada’s Olympic run
Crosby’s absence forces Canada to reshuffle leadership and matchups on the fly. With the quarterfinal still tied late, the burden shifts even more heavily to McDavid, MacKinnon and Canada’s veteran core to manage the moment and create separation.
Overtime rules if still tied
If the game remains level after regulation, Olympic playoff overtime is 10 minutes of three-on-three, followed by a shootout if needed.
For the live updates and ongoing coverage referenced here, see The Athletic’s live game report.
