Mitch Marner's OT Magic Lifts Canada Over Sweden in 4 Nations Face-Off Opening Classic

Hockey fans waited years for a return to best-on-best international play, and when the puck finally dropped at the Bell Centre, the atmosphere was nothing short of electric. That game had everything — pure dominance, a blown lead, a ridiculous overtime, and a Bell Centre crowd that went from celebratory to silent to euphoric all in 60+ minutes, with Mitch Marner's overtime heroics lifting Canada to a 4-3 win over Sweden on Wednesday night.

The Canadian-clad crowd was in full force from the moment doors opened. Sidney Crosby's introduction drew loud cheers, but the roof nearly came off when Mario Lemieux was honored. The fans took over the Canadian national anthem, belting it so loudly that they drowned out the singer.

At 8:25 p.m. EST, the puck dropped in a game that utilized an incredibly fast speed of play. New York Rangers representative Mika Zibanejad searching for a spark won the faceoff, but it didn't take long for Canada to seize control. The first power-play opportunity came just 44 seconds in when William Nylander took an early penalty. Twelve seconds later, the Canadian attack delivered a masterpiece.

Canada's Power Play Sets the Tone

It was a play drawn up in a dream — Connor McDavid to Sidney Crosby, who sent a between-the-legs pass to Nathan MacKinnon wide-open for an easy finish. It was 1-0 Canada 56 seconds in, and Sweden had yet to even touch the puck in the offensive zone.

Canada was flying, executing sharp breakouts, seamless passing, and suffocating forechecking. Josh Morrissey set the physical tone, hammering Joel Eriksson Ek with a thunderous hit. Brad Marchand doubled the lead at 13:15 of the first, finishing a slick feed from Brayden Point off the rush. By the time Sweden registered its first shot on goal — at the 15:15 mark — Canada was already up 2-0, both markers from Nova Scotia natives.

The Swedes finally started to find their footing late in the period, adjusting their game plan by simplifying plays and avoiding turnovers in the neutral zone with their 1-3-1. Still, Canada's defensive positioning was nearly flawless. Canada led 2-0 after one, outshooting Sweden 11-2. Jordan Binnington had barely been tested, but that would change.

Canada fired again in the second, nearly adding a third goal when Lucas Raymond's backhand breakaway attempt was denied. On the other end, Marchand found Seth Jarvis in the slot, but Filip Gustavsson made a crucial save to keep Sweden in it. Then, the momentum began to shift.
At 6:27 of the second period, Jonas Brodin put Sweden on the board with a perfectly placed shot through traffic.

Sweden nearly tied it seconds later as a tipped Victor Hedman shot forced Binnington to react quickly. The Swedes had clearly adjusted, using long stretch passes to pull Canada out of its structure.

Canada answered back at 17:28 when Crosby, in vintage form, wheeled around the circle and set up Mark Stone to make it 3-1.

The second period ended with Canada ahead, but concerns loomed — particularly in net, where Binnington had moments of shakiness, and on defense, where Shea Theodore's tournament-ending injury had left Canada with just five blueliners.

Sweden Storms Back in the Third

Sweden's second period was an adjustment, but their third was an ambush. Just two minutes in, Adrian Kempe, who cut Canada's lead to 3-2, snapping a shot past Binnington after a slick feed from Erik Karlsson. The tally was a product of Sweden's aggressive forecheck, which had Canada on its heels. Then, at 8:59, Jesper Bratt found Eriksson Ek in the slot, and the Swedes had their equalizer. The Bell Centre went dead quiet again. Canada was reeling. They needed a response.