Team Canada punched their ticket to the semifinals after an overtime winner from Mitch Marner. But it was a very close game. After the game, Czech coach Radim Rulik made some harsh remarks about the officials. And Canadian fans are now mocking him for his comments.
Three of the four quarterfinals on Wednesday went into overtime, but the matchup between Team Czechia and Team Canada was by far the most exciting. The teams traded goals, and in the third period Czechia took a 3–2 lead with just under eight minutes remaining. Canada, however, responded, and in overtime Mitch Marner came up clutch and scored the 4–3 winner.
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Team Czechia goal with too many men
Czechia’s 3–2 goal was scored with too many Czech skaters on the ice, with CBC even claiming there were up to eight players. The consensus among Canadian fans, however, seems to be that there were six Czech skaters on the ice, all of whom were seen celebrating the goal. After the game, Team Czechia’s coach Radim Rulik criticized the officials for several situations in which he felt Team Canada got away without penalties.
”Playing against six players”
“I watch two NHL games on replay every single day. The play Necas made today — when his stick was touched on the breakaway — is always a penalty in the NHL. But suddenly, not here. I’m really sorry about it. I just don’t get it. I feel like everyone is afraid to call anything against Canada. We were basically playing against six players. I don’t want to make excuses, and no one has to agree with me, but the video backs me up,” Rulík told reporters.
Canadian fans mock Rulik
But Canadian fans aren’t having it and are now mocking Rulík for his comments about Canada’s “sixth” player.
”I guess counting wasn’t his strongest attribute,” one fan wrote.
”Interesting choice of words, seeing how they had six on the ice for the 3–2 go-ahead goal,” another fan wrote.
”Dude literally had six players on the ice — might want to sit this one out,” a third one wrote.
Canada will face Finland in the semifinals on Friday.
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