MILAN - Nick Suzuki embraced an adaptable role for Canada at the Milan Cortina Olympics, stepping into a crucial second-line center position when captain Sidney Crosby was sidelined with an injury.
The Montreal Canadiens captain, lauded as a "Swiss army knife" by head coach Jon Cooper, scored the critical equalizer against Czechia in the men's hockey quarterfinal. Suzuki tipped a Devon Toews shot to force overtime, with Mitch Marner eventually securing Canada's 4-3 victory and a spot in the semifinals.
"There's a lot of responsibility to get put out there late in games... filled some pretty big shoes," Suzuki commented on stepping in for Crosby. "Just try to do the best I can."
Canada's semifinal opponent is Finland, a matchup that pits Florida Panthers teammates Sam Bennett and Sam Reinhart against their NHL linemates Anton Lundell, Eetu Luostarinen, and Niko Mikkola.
Meanwhile, Connor McDavid tied a record for points by an NHLer at a single Games, registering two assists against Czechia to reach 11 points in four contests. "He's on another level right now," said teammate Sam Bennett.