The final day’s worth of preliminary games were played on Sunday, and five of the Avalanche players were on the ice. Canada and the USA won their matchups, while Martin Necas’ Czechs suffered a disappointing overtime loss.
Switzerland 4, Czechia 3 (OT)
The first overtime game of the tournament had a lot on the line. Czechia and Switzerland entered the game at 1-1, each having defeated France and lost to Canada. Second place in Group A and a more favorable opponent in the qualification round were at stake.
Martin Necas was all over the scoresheet. He had a beautiful assist on the game’s first goal from Filip Chlapik. He later had another helper on the tally that made it 2-2 after the Swiss gained the lead.
In the third, Switzerland again went up, this time 3-2. With just 2:06 remaining, Necas sniped home his second of the tournament to force OT. Unfortunately for Necas, it was Swiss forward Dean Kukan who became the hero, securing the game-winner and second place in the group for Switzerland.
Canada 10, France 2
Already the Group A champs, Canada entered the matchup still fighting for the top seed in the entire tournament. With goal differential serving as a crucial tiebreaker, the Canadians ran the score and defeated France 10-2.
Devon Toews, who has just one goal for the Avs this season, sniped it past the French goalie on a 3-on-1 break to make it 2-1 in the first period. Toews’ tally was assisted by Sidney Crosby and Cale Makar.
Makar later added a power-play goal, becoming the eighth and final Avalanche player to score a goal in the preliminary round of the Olympics.
This game had everything, including a penalty shot goal for Macklin Celebrini and a Tom Wilson fight. The Capitals forward finished with a rare Olympic Gordie Howe hat trick.
Canada finished its three games with the all-important lead in goal differential, finishing +14, to earn the No. 1 seed and a bye in the knockout stage.
USA 5, Germany 1
The Americans secured a 3-0 finish in the group stages as well, following a 5-1 victory against Germany in their last preliminary game.
Auston Matthews had two goals and an assist. Brock Nelson did not record a point.
