Stay updated with live action from the United States versus Finland match in the 4 Nations Tournament

**MONTREAL** — After switching allegiance and sharing the locker room with his childhood idol, Mitch Marner believed he had already experienced enough unforgettable moments with Team Canada.

Then, Sidney Crosby assisted him during overtime, setting the stage for an extraordinary achievement that Marner had dreamed of for years as a 27-year-old winger.

On Wednesday, Marner propelled Canada to a crucial victory in the 4 Nations opener, skillfully shooting past Erik Karlsson and tucking the puck over Filip Gustavsson’s blocker. This thrilling goal at 6:06 on the clock ignited the crowd at the Bell Centre and unleashed a wave of emotions from a player who has seen his fair share of playoff disappointments with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

“If you told young Mitch at 8 or 10 years old that he would score an overtime goal with Sidney Crosby assisting, a guy he idolized his whole life, it’s just surreal,” Marner shared, his voice strained after the 4-3 win. “My family will be ecstatic about this one, and I’m thrilled to have this moment.”

This scenario exemplifies why NHL players have long advocated for the return of premier international tournaments: it’s about these incredible experiences. It’s about challenging oneself against the very best. It’s about rising above individual gain to compete for something truly significant.

While it may seem like an attempt to frame this narrative around the Maple Leafs, it’s essential to recognize everything Marner has overcome professionally to finally shine during the riveting 4 Nations Face-Off opener.

He entered this tournament as the NHL’s fourth-highest scorer, tied with Canadian teammate Connor McDavid at 71 points. However, he also carried the weight of having just six goals over his last 37 playoff games, which has shaped perceptions about his performance in crucial situations.

That’s why his moment of glory was so significant, especially after witnessing his team let two-goal leads slip against Sweden.

“I think this can significantly boost his confidence,” teammate Mark Stone noted. “He sometimes gets an undeserved reputation. To put it simply, I would want him on my team any day. His gameplay is phenomenal, and he’s an incredible teammate.”

Moreover, Marner is genuinely liked by everyone he plays alongside, both in Toronto with the Maple Leafs and here with Team Canada.

Canadian coach Jon Cooper has praised Marner since their time together at the 2017 IIHF World Hockey Championship, where Marner unfortunately missed a shootout attempt during a heartbreaking gold medal loss to Sweden.

“That kid radiates confidence,” Cooper stated. “I view him as a significant player making extraordinary contributions during critical moments. That’s why he’s on this team; he was remarkable today.”

This game only solidifies Marner’s reputation within the hockey world, adding depth to his narrative. He mentioned the fast-paced nature of the first period left him gasping for breath during breaks at the bench.

Yet, when the game hung in the balance and Sweden pulled even at 3-3 early in the third period, Marner found himself relied upon by Cooper as the bench shrank significantly.

He participated in five shifts in the final half of the third period, including a crucial penalty kill, then added three overtime shifts before sealing the game.

As he celebrated with teammates following the goal, he experienced the joy of playing in a venue where Maple Leafs players are typically met with boos.

“That was a critical goal and an impressive play,” Stone remarked. “His ability to create space for himself and execute is remarkable. Moments like this can really elevate your confidence.”

For Marner, this moment was a nostalgic return to his roots.

Growing up in the Toronto area, he idolized Sidney Crosby, frequently wearing No. 87. He was still a child when Crosby scored the Golden Goal. When Marner’s shot found the net on Wednesday, he thought about his parents, Paul and Bonnie, cheering for him among a crowd of over 21,000.

When asked how his dad would react to this moment, he replied with a grin: “Oh, he’s going to be absolutely thrilled. He’ll definitely be going wild!”

As Marner left the Bell Centre well past midnight, he had only one thing on his mind: securing the puck from his winning goal as a treasured keepsake.

(Photo: Andre Ringuette / 4NFO / World Cup of Hockey via Getty Images)