Trailing Finland 2-0 in the Olympic semifinals, Team Canada coach Jon Cooper decided it was time for a shake-up. With the team narrowing the gap to 2-1 in the second period, they still needed a spark heading into the third.
In the NHL, coaches often shuffle lines to ignite the offense, but Cooper had a unique mix in mind for Canada. Few would have predicted the combination he deployed: Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett, and Tom Wilson on a line together.
Yet, that trio delivered, with Marchand creating havoc in the offensive zone and Shea Theodore tying the game at 2-2. Nathan MacKinnon later sealed the deal with a game-winning power play goal.
Marchand, reflecting on the unexpected pairing, said, “We’ve always thought we’d connect well. It’s nice not having to worry about those two guys taking my head off.”
Wilson added, “We just looked at each other and knew our game plan: fast, hard, chaotic. It’s about playing physical and getting pucks to the net.”
Bennett chimed in, “We understand the energy and grit needed. Playing with those guys, who are experts at disrupting and shifting momentum, was a treat.”
Cooper’s decision to unite this dynamic line sparked the comeback, propelling Canada to the Gold Medal Game. Having such talent to draw from is a luxury any coach would envy.