Mitch Marner just lived out every kid’s dream—scoring a massive overtime winner for Team Canada, assisted by none other than Sidney Crosby! Talk about a storybook moment.
With the game tied 3-3 against Sweden in the 4 Nations Face-Off opener, Marner took a perfect drop pass from Crosby and lasered it past Filip Gustavsson, sending the Bell Centre crowd into absolute chaos. Fist pump? Oh, you bet. Canada starts the tournament with a bang!
Crosby was a wizard all night, racking up three assists and extending his absurd record to 22-0 as Canada’s captain in all competitions. No shocker here—he was named Canada’s Player of the Game.
And for Marner? This goal might just be one of his biggest moments yet.
🇨🇦CANADA GOAL🇨🇦
— Daily Faceoff (@DailyFaceoff) February 13, 2025
MITCH MARNER WINS THE GAME IN OVERTIME!
🎥: Sportsnet | NHL#Canada #Sweden pic.twitter.com/I84FpmgTqm
“If you tell 10-year-old Mitch that he scored an overtime goal assisted by Sidney Crosby, a guy he looked up to from day one… that’s pretty crazy,” Marner said after the game.
Crazy? More like legendary.
A Big Night for Marner—And a Weird One for the Leafs
Marner skated on a line with Connor McDavid and Sam Reinhart, creating a ton of chances but not cashing in—until the biggest moment of the night. Defensively, he was locked in, blocking two shots and snatching a takeaway.
Meanwhile, his Maple Leafs teammates Auston Matthews and William Nylander weren’t exactly getting love from the Montreal crowd. They got booed hard before puck drop, while Marner, proudly rocking the Canadian jersey, was spared.
“It’s usually how it is when we come in this building to play the Habs, it isn’t too surprising,” Marner shrugged.
canada pics that go hard pic.twitter.com/D7UDOLu4KR
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) February 13, 2025
Let’s be real—Marner’s had his fair share of criticism about his playoff performances. But scoring a massive international game-winner on a big stage? That’s one way to silence the doubters.
With a contract extension looming, this couldn’t have come at a better time. If he keeps shining for Canada, he might just flip the script on his “clutch” reputation.
In case you missed it: Maple Leafs Midseason Roundup: Why exactly the Leafs are thriving this season
Canada is rolling into their next matchup against the United States on Saturday, with fans eager to see if Marner can keep the magic going. One thing’s for sure—this tournament just got a whole lot more exciting.