Team Canada Head Coach Dean Evason Facing Criticism for Controversial Decision in Final Minutes of Loss

In one of the more stunning finishes in recent international play, Canada is finished at the 2025 IIHF World Hockey Championship after a startling loss today to Denmark.

Nick Olesen scored the winner for Denmark late in regulation, tucking the puck past goaltender Jordan Binnington and stunning not only the players but Canadian hockey fans everywhere who were glued to the contest.

Considering Canada's bevy of talent that included established NHL stars like Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche, Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks and others, this loss is especially troubling for the hockey powerhouse.

Even more surprising was the decision by Canada head coach Dean Evason, the bench boss of the Columbus Blue Jackets, not to have Crosby on the ice in the final minute of play with goaltender Jordan Binnington pulled in an attempt for the tying goal.

Despite the disappointing loss, Crosby did pick up his 8th assist for Canada and was named the club's player of the game.

Speaking of Penguins, playing internationally for Canada the past several days will be the final official competition for beloved former Pittsburgh goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, who is retiring from the NHL.

A longtime teammate of Crosby's with the Penguins, he was drafted 1st overall by Pittsburgh in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, and is ranked 2nd all time in NHL goaltender wins behind only his boyhood idol Martin Brodeur.