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Oilers' star Evan Bouchard records three assists as Canada survives scare vs Norway

What seemed to be a surprise result for Canada turned around in their favor quite quickly, with Mark Scheifele and Evan Bouchard recording multi-point games in an overtime effort against Norway.
ByNoah Guttman|
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Apr 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard (2) skates with the puck during the third period against the Anaheim Ducks in game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Apr 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard (2) skates with the puck during the third period against the Anaheim Ducks in game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

After cruising through their opening three games of the tournament with relative ease, Canada was given their first scare of the tournament against a Norwegian team that entered the contest with two straight wins.

And that team clearly came to play on Thursday, scoring the first two goals of the game within the opening eleven minutes of play. Linköping HC forward Eskild Bakke Olsen scored the opening goal of the game after five minutes, with the assists being provided by Malmö Redhawks forward Petter Vesterheim and Stavanger Oilers forward Patrick Elvsveen.

Pelicans defenseman Johannes Johannesen scored Norway's second goal of the game, while Storhamar winger Andreas Martinsen and Leksands IF forward and Toronto Maple Leafs prospect, Tinus Luc Koblar provided the assists.

Just two minutes after the Johannesen goal, Winnipeg Jets forward Mark Scheifele would bring Canada within one goal of Norway. Then, just two minutes before the first intermission, Scheifele levelled the score at two, with Jets teammate Gabriel Vilardi and Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Parker Wotherspoon providing the helpers.

That said, Norway's push for the upset continued during the second period. Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Noah Steen restored Norway's lead on the power play, with assists coming from Vesterheim and Johannesen. Canada responded just past the midway point of the game, with Vilardi recording a power play goal of his own. Scheifele provided his teammate with the primary assist, while Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard got credit for the secondary assist.

Despite giving up a late-period power play in the middle frame of the game, Canada effectively prevented Norway from scoring during the carryover component of the numerical advantage. Ottawa Senators forward Dylan Cozens was able to score on a short-handed opportunity, with Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse getting credit for giving Canada the lead for the first time.

But Norway once again responded, this time with another two-goal run to put Canada on the ropes once again. Frisk Asker defenseman Christian Kaasastul brought Norway level with Canada, with Steen setting up the game-tying goal. Almost two minutes later, Luc Koblar restored Norway's advantage, with Johannesen and Djurgardens IF forward Emilio Pettersen helping him score Norway's fifth goal of the game.

From there, Canada would push for their fifth goal of the game; ultimately, Nashville Predators forward Ryan O'Reilly would score the overtime-forcing goal. Bouchard and San Jose Sharks forward/Team Canada captain Macklin Celebrini assisted on the game-tying goal.

Just 30 seconds into the overtime period, Scheifele scored the game-winning goal for Canada with assists by Bouchard and Celebrini. Not only was Scheifele able to complete his hat trick, but his third goal also acted as his fourth point of the game.

Relevant statistics and facts

Despite being forced to overtime, Canada bested Norway 42-19 in the shots on goal department. That metric included two 14-6 margins, occurring during the second and third periods of action.

During his four-point performance, Scheifele recorded eight shots on goal. At the same time, both Vilardi and St. Louis Blues forward Robert Thomas recorded six shots on goal.

Frölunda HC goaltender Tobias Normann was in net for Norway during their game against Canada. He recorded 36 saves on 42 shots faced, which was good enough for a 0.857 save percentage. For Canada, it was former Oilers netminder Cam Talbot who would be in net; he recorded 14 saves on 19 shots faced for a save percentage of 0.737.

What's next?

Norway has now recorded at least one point in the standings in each of their last three games. Besides a 2-1 regulation loss to open the tournament, it's possible to infer that Norway has enjoyed a strong start to the 2026 IIHF World Championship.

But their next game will be yet another tough test for this quick-to-start Norwegian side. On Saturday, they'll take on a Sweden side that just put six goals past Slovenia. Puck drop in that game will be at 2:20 P.M. Eastern Time.

Meanwhile, Canada will look to continue their unbeaten start to the tournament on Friday when they take on Slovenia. Puck drop in that game is set for 10:20 A.M. Eastern Time.

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