After nearly suffering their first loss of the 2026 IIHF World Championship against Norway, Canada put together a strong bounce-back effort as they topped Slovenia by a 3-1 scoreline.
The two Edmonton Oilers players who stood out the most during Friday's contest were defenseman Darnell Nurse and former Oilers forward Connor Brown; both Nurse and Brown recorded assists during the game against Slovenia.
Nurse's assist came on Canada's second goal of the game, which was scored by Ottawa Senators forward Dylan Cozens. The secondary assist was provided by Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, which marked his sixth assist of the tournament.
On another note, you'd have to see it to believe it, but Nurse's assist actually came off of a broken stick.
Dylan Cozens (@Senators) pots one home courtesy of Darnell Nurse's stick exploding! 😂
— NHL Media (@NHLMedia) May 22, 2026
📺: Canada vs. Slovenia at #IIHF #MensWorlds on NHL Network https://t.co/Ro5bXwan7O pic.twitter.com/aLJ6ynvV1g
Brown's assist came on what would be Canada's insurance goal, which was scored by Detroit Red Wings forward Emmitt Finnie. Brown recorded the secondary assist on the goal, while Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly added the primary assist.
The third-period goal wasn't Finnie's only point in the game. Finnie recorded the secondary assist on the opening goal scored by Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Denton Mateychuk, with the primary assist coming from Boston Bruins forward Fraser Minten.
Slovenia's lone goal of the game came with just over a minute left in the third period. HK Olimpija Ljubljana defenseman Rozle Bohinc was able to get a favorable deflection into the Canada goal to spoil the shutout bid. Former Gatineau Olympiques defenseman/Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Jan Golicic got the assist on the goal.
Relevant statistics and facts
Canada recorded 18 more shots on goal than Slovenia during the preliminary round contest; the final margin was 32-14 in favor of the Canadians. While Slovenia would force a 7-7 draw in shots on goal during the third period, they were still outshot 11-2 during the opening frame.
With his assist on Friday, Crosby drew level with ZSC Lions forward Denis Malgin and New Jersey Devils winger Timo Meier, both of whom represent Switzerland, for the tournament lead in assists.
Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Jet Greaves was in net for Canada and was a minute away from securing the shutout. Even then, Greaves still recorded 13 saves on 14 shots for a .929 save percentage.
HDD Jesenice netminder Zan Us was once again the goaltender for Slovenia. He would put together a stronger performance than the one he posted against Sweden, recording 29 saves on 32 shots faced for a .906 save percentage.
What's next?
While Slovenia still sits four points back of Norway for fourth in Group B, their knockout round hopes are fading. Tomorrow's Norway-Sweden game will very likely end Slovenia's knockout round hopes; any win by Norway or a Sweden regulation win would eliminate Norway from contention for the knockout round.
Regardless of the result, Slovenia still has two group games left to contest. Their penultimate preliminary round contest will see them take on Denmark; a win against Denmark would confirm safety from relegation to Division I. That contest will take place on Saturday, with puck drop set for 10:20 A.M. Eastern Time.
Meanwhile, Canada will look to potentially secure the top spot in Group B when they take on second-place Slovakia on Sunday. A regulation win by Canada will be enough to earn the top spot in the division as long as Czechia doesn't reach 14 points after their next two games (Canada and Czechia play each other on Tuesday). Puck drop between Canada and Slovakia on Sunday is set for 2:20 P.M. Eastern Time.
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