In a tournament filled with high expectations and superstar talent, Team Canada’s journey at the 2025 IIHF World Hockey Championship came to a shocking and abrupt end. The hockey world is still reeling from a stunning loss to Denmark, a result that has left fans and analysts searching for answers.

At the heart of the controversy is head coach Dean Evason, whose surprising decision to keep captain Sidney Crosby off the ice in the crucial final minute has ignited a firestorm of criticism. With a roster stacked with NHL legends and rising stars, few could have predicted such an outcome for the perennial powerhouse.

As the dust settles, questions swirl around Evason’s strategy and the future direction of Canadian hockey on the international stage. This dramatic exit not only marks a turning point for Team Canada but also serves as the last chapter in the illustrious international career of goaltending icon Marc-Andre Fleury, adding another layer of emotion to an unforgettable night.

Photo credit: Sportsnet

Canada head coach Dean Evason is facing considerable scrutiny for not playing star forward and captain Sidney Crosby in the final minute of their shocking loss to Denmark.

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.