Canada advances to Spengler Cup final with win over Czech team
Canada advanced to the Spengler Cup championship game courtesy of a 5-2 win over Czech team Mountfield HK on Saturday.
.@HC_Men defeat @MountfieldHK 5-2 to advance to the #SpenglerCup final, and can win their third straight championship on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/mgDad9zYJK
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 30, 2017
Canada jumped out to a 2-0 lead with goals from David McIntyre and Jay McClement, but Mountfield cut the lead in half 14 seconds later with a tally from Lukas Cingel.
Cody Goloubef restored the two-goal lead early in the second period, but the Czech squad pulled back to within one thanks to a shorthanded breakaway goal from Michal Dragoun.
With 4:21 remaining in the third period, Zach Boychuk iced it for Canada with a notch on the power-play that was briefly reviewed for potential goaltender interference. Maxim Noreau added a late empty-net goal for insurance.
Goaltender Kevin Poulin stopped 26 of 28 shots in the win.
Canada - in search of a third consecutive tournament win - will now face the winner of Switzerland vs. HC Davos in the championship game on Sunday at 6 a.m. EST.