Mark Stone scored for Canada against Sweden in the second period of the 4 Nations Face-Off in Montreal on Wednesday. Teammates Nathan MacKinnon and Sidney Crosby joined him in celebrating the goal, while Swedish goaltender Filip Gustavsson looked on. The game took place on February 12, 2025.
Sidney Crosby delivered another unforgettable night at the Bell Centre, helping Canada secure a 4-3 overtime victory against Sweden in the opening game of the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. Crosby, who grew up idolizing the Montreal Canadiens, set up three goals, including Mitch Marner’s overtime winner, in a thrilling contest that kept fans on edge.
The 37-year-old Canadian captain received a rousing ovation before the game, rivalled only by the appearance of hockey legend Mario Lemieux. Crosby wasted no time making an impact, combining with Connor McDavid to assist Nathan MacKinnon’s power-play goal just 56 seconds into the first period.
“It’s something I’ll always remember,” said Crosby, acknowledging the crowd’s overwhelming support.
Brad Marchand doubled Canada’s lead later in the first period, finishing a 2-on-1 play with Brayden Point. However, Sweden responded in the second, with Jonas Brodin firing a shot past goaltender Jordan Binnington. The Swedes continued to press, but Crosby set up Mark Stone late in the period to restore Canada’s two-goal advantage.
Sweden fought back in the third, with Adrian Kempe and Joel Eriksson Ek scoring to tie the game at 3-3. Gustavsson made crucial stops, including key saves on Devon Toews and Cale Makar, as the Swedes pushed for a winner. Canada’s defence held firm, killing off a late penalty to force overtime.
In the extra period, Crosby set up Marner in the neutral zone before heading to the bench. Marner carried the puck into the Swedish zone and fired a blistering shot past Gustavsson to seal the win.
“You tell 10-year-old me I’d score an OT goal assisted by Crosby, I wouldn’t believe it,” Marner said, soaking in the moment.
Binnington stopped 23 shots for Canada, while Gustavsson made 24 saves for Sweden. Despite the loss, Swedish captain Victor Hedman praised his team’s effort, calling the game “phenomenal.”
Canada earned two points in the standings, while Sweden picked up one for forcing overtime. The 4 Nations tournament, a rare best-on-best international event, will continue with the U.S. facing Finland next.
With NHL players returning to international play after years of absence, this tournament is a stepping stone to the 2026 Olympics. However, notable absences include Russia due to the ongoing war in Ukraine and world champion Czechia due to scheduling constraints.
The tournament will continue in Montreal before moving to Boston, culminating in the final on February 20.
