The score was tied 2-2 at the end of three and overtime loomed.
Team USA's Jack Eichel had nullified Connor McDavid and – with Connor Hellebuyck in goal – it seemed like a good bet that Canada was doomed. So what happened, Baby? Mark Nussbaum of Toronto explains:
"Jordan Binnington put on a legendary performance in overtime with impossible saves. I had texted a few friends before overtime that it would be McDavid."
It would NOT have been McDavid nor a Canadian victory had Jack Eichel been on the ice but it was Auston Matthews.
Connor McDavid was supposed to be Auston's man. Matthews does not know defense as well as Eichel and there was the rub.
Nussbaum: "Matthews abandoned McDavid trying to pressure Mitch Marner in the corner. Matthews should have known his teammate, the magic man, better. Marner made a nice pass to uncovered McDavid who ripped it glove side.
"Enough positive cannot be said about Binnington who rose to the occasion – handling the puck with such confidence – and shutting the door in overtime."
Congratulations to Team Canada. Kudos as well to Team USA which beat the Canadians in the earlier match.
Historic Note: No Canadian team has won a Stanley Cup since the 1967 Maple Leafs!
POSTSCRIPT: Jon Cooper outcoached Mike Sullivan. By far, Sully's biggest mistake; was not playing a healthy Kyle Connor. ... Connor. ... Hellybuyck could have stopped McDavid's series-winner had he played a standup style. But the goalie was in the locked-in crouch leaving the upstairs empty for McDavid; a hockey slamdunk if ever there was one!