Mitchell Marner (right) scored the game-winner for Canada in overtime. © APA/afp / ALEXANDER NEMENOV

The Czech Republic is driving the favorites to the brink of despair.

The odds seemed to be clearly in favor of Canada before their quarterfinal clash with the Czech Republic – not least because they had easily swept the Europeans 5-0 in the group stage. But on Wednesday, a completely different game unfolded.

February 18, 2026

From: mv

What a crazy second quarterfinal game! The overwhelming favorites from Canada had a tough time against a strong Czech team. The Europeans had a sensational run – reaching the semifinals – within their grasp for a long time, but at the last moment, Connor McDavid and his teammates pulled off a narrow 4-3 overtime victory to advance to the next round.

Canada got off to a better start in the brand-new Santa Giulia Arena, with youngster Macklin Celebrini giving his team an early lead (4th minute) after David Pastrnák lost possession. But the Europeans weren't fazed. Lukás Sedlák, after a quick counterattack (9th minute), and Pastrnák with a one-timer on the power play (15th minute) turned the game around before the end of the first period.

Canada under immense pressure

In the second period, the Canadians grew stronger: After a shot off the post by defenseman Cale Makar (25th minute), Nathan MacKinnon tied the game with a powerful shot into the top corner on the power play (33rd minute). Nick Suzuki's missed opportunity (37th minute) proved costly in the third period. The Czechs increased the pressure on the Canadians, and it paid off: After a blocked shot by Tomas Hertl, Ondrej Palát finished off a textbook counterattack (53rd minute).

The Czech Republic put up a very good fight. © APA/afp / ALEXANDER NEMENOV

Canada was under immense pressure and initially showed signs of nerves – the North Americans' play appeared hectic, especially after veteran Sidney Crosby left the game injured in the second period. Almost out of nowhere, Suzuki deflected a shot from the blue line into the net (57th minute). The game went into overtime, which was only 82 seconds old when the game was decided: Mitchell Marner, who had been largely silent up to that point, fired Canada into the Olympic semifinals with a spectacular backhand shot (62nd minute).

Olympic ice hockey, quarterfinals

Canada-Czech Republic 4:3 OT
Goals: 1:0 Celebrini (3.05), 1:1 Sedlák (8.34), 1:2 Pastrnák (14.49/PP), 2:2 MacKinnon (32.16), 2:3 Palát (52.18), 3:3 Suzuki (56.33), 4:3 Marner (61.22)