Draisaitl's OT goal leads Europe past Czech Republic, 3-2
TORONTO (AP) Leon Draisaitl at 2:06 of overtime to lift Europe to a 3-2 victory over the Czech Republic 3-2 on Monday at the World Cup of Hockey.
Mats Zuccarello sprung Draisaitl in all alone and the Oilers forward beat Czech goalie Petr Mrazek low on his blocker side for his second goal of the tournament.
Zdeno Chara and Zuccarello scored in regulation while Jaroslav Halak stopped 28 shots for his second win of the tournament as Europe (2-0) moved into first place in Group A.
Jakub Voracek and Martin Hanzal responded for the Czech Republic (0-2), which is all but eliminated from advancing to the semifinals. Mrazek made 38 saves.
Europe took a 2-1 lead at 2:17 of the third period on Zuccarello's first of the tournament. Moments after sprawling out to rob Roman Josi with a huge glove save, Mrazek mishandled Zuccarello's fluttering wrist shot.
Hanzal tied it 2-2 on a power play at 8:31 of the third, picking up the bounce off the end boards off of a Vladimir Sobotka's point shot and beating Halak.
Chara opened the scoring at 10:04 of the second period, beating a screened Mrazek with a floater from the top of the faceoff circle for his first of the tournament.
The Czechs nearly respond moments later as the puck got behind Halak, but Dennis Seidenberg was there to clear it off the goal line.
Voracek tied it with 6:32 left in the middle period as he got around a pinching Josi and beat Halak.
Europe outshot the Czechs 21-9 in the second period and had plenty of opportunities to take over the game.
Just over two minutes in and with Europe already on a power play, Czech defenseman Michal Kempny jumped on a loose puck in the crease giving Europe a penalty shot. Anze Kopitar took the shot but could not beat Mrazek with a backhand deke.
Then, just past the six-minute mark of the second, Marian Hossa beat Halak glove side, but his wrist shot deflected off the post.
The Czechs conclude the preliminary round against North America on Wednesday while Europe plays Sweden.