In an intense matchup that remained scoreless until a thrilling third period, Dylan Cozens netted two goals, including the decisive overtime winner, as Canada triumphed 4-3 over Czechia to clinch the top spot in Group A at the IIHF Men’s World Hockey Championship. Canada will now advance to face Slovakia in the quarter-finals.
Cozens capitalized on a power play opportunity in overtime, skating into Czech territory and beating goalie Lukas Dostal with a backhander at 3:13. Reflecting on the goal, Cozens credited teammate Colton Parayko for a pivotal middle drive that set up the play. “It was a lucky bounce that found its way back on my tape, and I just made a quick play and it found its way in,” Cozens explained.
With this victory, Canada concludes the group stage with 19 points, while Czechia, with 16 points, now sits in second place, potentially dropping to third if Switzerland defeats Finland.
Czechia showed remarkable resilience, rallying from a 3-1 deficit in the final minutes of regulation to force the game into overtime with two goals scored while playing with an extra attacker.
Cozens has been a standout performer at the tournament, leading all players with eight goals and placing himself firmly in contention for MVP honors. The Buffalo Sabres star previously contributed seven goals and 13 points in Canada’s silver medal-winning campaign at the 2022 World Championship, and he also boasts two World Junior medals (gold in 2020, silver in 2021).
Adding to Canada’s scoreline were Dawson Mercer and Brandon Hagel, while Dominik Kubalik, Ondrej Palat, and Roman Cervenka found the net for Czechia.
Reflecting on the game, Kubalik noted Czechia’s strong defensive play in the first two periods and expressed regret over their inability to secure more goals. “The atmosphere and the game were pretty good. It’s just too bad we couldn’t get enough goals,” Kubalik lamented.
This match, featuring the defending champions against the host nation, lived up to its billing as the highlight of the preliminary round, showcasing top-tier hockey.
Both teams deployed their top goalies, with Canada’s Jordan Binnington and Czechia’s Dostal putting on a stellar display. Canada outshot Czechia 26-22 in a tightly contested battle.
Canada’s win overshadowed the addition of superstar winger David Pastrnak to the Czech lineup after his Boston Bruins were eliminated by the Florida Panthers in the second round of the NHL playoffs.