Team Canada defeated Team Sweden 4-3 in overtime.
Team Canada defeated Team Sweden 4-3 in overtime.
The 4 Nations Face-Off kicked off with a bang as Rick Tocchet and Team Canada defeated Elias Pettersson and Team Sweden 4-3 in overtime. The game-winning goal was scored by Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner, who beat Minnesota Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson with 3:54 left in overtime. As for the first star of the game, that was Pittsburgh Penguins Sidney Crosby, who finished the night with three primary assists.
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As for Pettersson, he finished the night with one shot, one hit and one takeaway during his 16:32 of ice time. The Vancouver Canucks center spent most of the night on a line with L.A. Kings' Adrian Kempe and Filip Forsberg, with Kempe serving as his partner during overtime. Pettersson also played 59 seconds on the power play and 48 seconds in overtime.
While Crosby was Canada's best player, the same could be said for Detroit Red Wings' Lucas Raymond, who was electric for Sweden. He finished the game with two assists and three shots on goal in 17:52 of ice time. The 22-year-old is developing into a star in the NHL and could use the 4 Nations Face-Off as a way to get more recognition around the league.
Overall, Canada versus Sweden was a dream start for the tournament. All the players looked invested, and it featured one of the most thrilling three-on-three overtimes in a while. The game also ended perfectly, as Crosby found a way to come through for his country, while fans in Montréal cheered as a Maple Leafs player scored the winner at the Bell Centre.
Up next for Canada will be a matchup on Saturday against the U.S.A. As for Sweden, they also play on Saturday, taking on Kevin Lankinen and Team Finland. Sweden versus Finland is scheduled for 10 am PT, while Canada versus the U.S.A. will start at 5 pm PT, with both games taking place in Montréal.
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