Sidney Crosby delivered a masterclass in the third period, tying a IIHF World Championship record with four assists as Canada rolled past Denmark 5-1 on Monday in Fribourg. The win avenged last year’s stunning quarterfinal upset by the Danes and followed a familiar script—scoreless after two periods before the floodgates opened. Porter Martone scored just 28 seconds into the third to spark the outburst, with Gabriel Vilardi, Denton Mateychuk, Ryan O’Reilly, and Parker Wotherspoon also finding the net. Macklin Celebrini chipped in with two assists, while Jet Greaves stood tall with 15 saves.The outburst showcased Canada’s patience and skill against a gritty, shot-blocking Danish side that had kept things tight defensively. Nick Olesen scored Denmark’s lone goal, but Canada answered quickly each time to pull away. With the victory, the Canadians improved to 3-0 and sit atop their group, while Denmark fell to 0-3. Crosby’s historic night—matching Mats Sundin’s feat from 1994—set the tone for a poised performance that should give Canada plenty of confidence heading into its next matchup.
Shots on goal in the first period were 14-5 for Canada
Shots on goal in the second period were 13-4 for Canada
Porter Martone finally got Canada on the board just 28 seconds into the third period to make it a 1-0 game. The assists on the goal went to Sidney Crosby and Macklin Celebrini.–Porter Martone broke the scoreless tie just 28 seconds into the third period, sparking a three-goal outburst in just three minutes. The goal started with a turnover at the Denmark blue line, followed by a beautiful three-way passing sequence. Macklin Celebrini spotted Crosby near the net, and No. 87 quickly slid the puck over to Martone, who was all alone behind the play with an empty net in front of him.
Gabe Valardi made it a 2-0 game for Canada at 3:02 of the second period. The assist on the goal went to Robert Thomas.–Gabriel Vilardi made it 2-0 just two and a half minutes later with a smart individual effort. He slipped the puck under Morten Poulsen’s stick and snapped a quick shot over Nicolaj Henriksen’s glove.
Former Moose Jaw Warrior Denton Mateychuk made it a 3-0 game for Canada at 3:33 of the third period. The assists on the goal went to Sidney Crosby and Macklin Celebrini–Celebrini and Crosby struck again on the very next shift. The 19-year-old captain flew in over the Denmark blue line, dropped the puck to Crosby, who quickly fed Denton Mateychuk for a nice goal at 3:33.
30 year old Nick Olesen who plays with HC Motor České Budějovice of the Czech league got the Danes on the board at 10:12 of the third period. The assist on the goal went to Mikkel Aagaard. Aagard played his junior in the OHL, played some AHL games and even played a season with the University of Guelph in Usport before returning back to Europe where he plays now in Sweden.
Ryan O’Reilly makes it a 4-1 game for Canada at 11:49 of the third period. The assists on the goal went to Sidney Crosby and Porter Martone.–Crosby then got his third assist of the period by one-handing the puck to Ryan O’Reilly in front for a gorgeous goal at 11:49
Former Tri City American and now Pittsburgh Penguin Parker Wotherspoon makes it a 5-1 game at 19:32 of the third period. The assist on the goal went to Sidney Crosby.–Number 87 got helper number four with 28.5 seconds remaining, setting up Parker Wotherspoon behind the play for a quick one-timer.
Shots on goal in the third period were 11-7 for Canada. Canada outshot Denmark 38-16 in the game
Jet Greaves made 15 saves on the 16 shots that he faced for the win for Canada. For Denmark Nicolaj Henrikson stopped 33 of the 38 shots that he faced.
Sidney Crosby was player of the game for Canada
Canada’s next game is Thursday May 21st against Norway.
