The 4 Nations tournament got off to an exhilarating start on Wednesday night. Team Canada raced out to a 2-0 lead over Team Sweden and eventually made it 3-1. Nonetheless, the Swedes refused to roll over. They stormed back to tie it within the third to force additional time. In additional time, Canada star Mitch Marner became a national hero on ice.
Marner’s goal sent the Montreal crowd right into a frenzy. Canada opened its 4 Nations tournament with a win, giving them two points. It also created a reasonably surreal scene because the Canadian skaters celebrated their win.
Marner has emerged as a star for the Toronto Maple Leafs over the previous few seasons. The truth is, he entered the 4 Nations break leading Toronto with 71 points in 54 games. To see a Maple Leafs player get this reception in Montreal Canadiens country is a sight to behold. But Marner actually is not complaining. “It was nice to listen to them cheer for me than against me,” the Team Canada star said, via The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta.
Canada-Sweden ring in 4 Nations with additional time thriller
Mitch Marner saved the day for Team Canada on Wednesday night. Regardless of how the sport turned out, though, one thing was clear. The 4 Nations began with an enormous bang. And that only creates excitement for the remaining of the 4 Nations games ahead.
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“Special. I’ve played on this constructing (Bell Centre) over and over within the playoffs. But tonight was pretty cool. Just an unbelievable game and unbelievable skill and talent on the market. Some great hockey,” Team Canada captain Sidney Crosby told Sportsnet following the win.
The primary period looked as if it would point to a dominating Canadian performance. They outshot the Swedes 7-2 and held a two-goal lead heading into the second period. Nonetheless, Team Sweden stormed back. And this helped make the 4 Nations must-watch hockey.
As for Marner, he actually made an impression in front of his fellow countrymen. He actually made an impression on his head coach. Jon Cooper had high praise for him following his electric overtime-winning goal.
“That child oozes confidence. I assumed it was a big-time player making a big-time play in a big-time moment. That is why guys like him are on this team. He was fabulous,” the Team Canada coach said via Sportsnet.
The Canadians will definitely look to take this momentum into their next contest. And that contest is certain to be a heated one. Team Canada retakes the ice on the 4 Nations on Saturday to square off against Team USA.
