Aarif Deen
The Avalanche had four players take part in Canada and Czechia’s quarterfinal on Wednesday and many of the crucial plays involved them.
Canada won 4-3 in overtime, which means Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Devon Toews are heading to the final four. Meanwhile, Martin Necas’ tournament is effectively over, and he’ll be on his way back to Denver soon.
Make no mistake, Necas was a monster despite the loss. If the Necas that showed up for Czechia in the Olympics in big-game moments is the one that the Avalanche are going to get in the playoffs, then it’ll be hard for anyone to complain.
With the score tied at 2-2, Necas set up Ondrej Palat for a go-ahead goal with just 7:42 remaining. The Czech’s needed to hang on for just that short period, and it would’ve secured a massive upset. Instead, Canada responded at 16:33. Nick Suzuki scored the game-tying goal by redirecting a shot from Toews.
Necas’ setup was no longer enough to send Czechia past Canada, thanks to Toews’ assist. The thrilling finish had one last moment involving both of those guys.
With 1:10 remaining in regulation, Necas skated past Toews and went in on a breakaway. Toews used his stick to try to impede Necas’ speed. The forward was stopped by Canadian goalie Jordan Binnington, allowing Canada an opportunity to finish it off in OT.
And they did. Mitch Marner scored the game-winning goal off a set up from Macklin Celebrini. The 19-year-0ld superstar had a goal and two assists.
His second helper came late in the second period. Czechia led 2-1, but with Canada on the power play MacKinnon tallied a tying goal to make it 2-2.
The Canadians joined Slovakia as two of the final four teams to partake in the semi finals.
MacKinnon, Toews, and Makar are guaranteed a game with the medal on the line. But winning the next one will ensure that medal game is for Gold.