2025 IIHF Worlds: Canada Dominates Slovakia with 7-0 Victory

Canada secured a commanding 7-0 victory over Slovakia in their Group A matchup at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, extending their winning streak against Slovakia to four consecutive games. The last time Slovakia defeated Canada was in 2012, when they sent Canada packing in the quarterfinals with a 4-3 victory in Helsinki (IIHF, 2025). Sidney Crosby led the charge with two goals and two assists, while Nathan MacKinnon added two goals of his own. The Canadians overwhelmed Slovakia from the first puck drop, with a shutout performance from goaltender Jordan Binnington, who made 14 saves.

Crosby commented on the win, “We were able to stick to our game plan and stay patient. We got the early lead, and from there, it was about keeping the pressure on them and not letting up. It was a full-team effort tonight, and it feels great to see everyone contributing” (IIHF, 2025).

First Period

The game began with Canada dominating possession in Slovakia’s zone. Despite Slovakia’s best efforts to hold their ground, the Canadians opened the scoring with a power-play goal. Montour fired a one-timer into a nearly empty Slovak net after quick passes from Crosby and Konecny.

GOAL (14:44): Brandon Montour (CAN) – Power Play | Assisted by Sidney Crosby, Travis Konecny

Foerster extended Canada’s lead with a well-placed shot past Slovak goalie Patrik Rybar.

GOAL (15:48): Tyson Foerster (CAN) | Assisted by Ryker Evans, Macklin Celebrini

Canada would head into the intermission with a two goal lead ahead of Slovakia.

First Period Stats
Shots on Goal: Canada 13 | Slovakia 5
Saves: Binnington 5 | Rybar 11
Penalty Minutes (PIM): Canada 0 | Slovakia 2

Second Period

The second period saw Canada increase their lead, with Slovak goaltender Patrik Rybar continuing to face constant pressure. Slovakia had a few power-play opportunities but couldn’t capitalize as Binnington remained flawless. Crosby redirected Celebrini’s pass into the net from a sharp angle to make it 3-0.

GOAL (3:25): Sidney Crosby (CAN) | Assisted by Macklin Celebrini, Brandon Montour

Celebrini added to the scoreline after Crosby and Konecny combined once again to set him up in front.

GOAL (18:08): Macklin Celebrini (CAN) | Assisted by Sidney Crosby, Travis Konecny

MacKinnon deflected a pass from Bo Horvat into the net, making it 5-0 in favor of Canada.

GOAL (19:38): Nathan MacKinnon (CAN) | Assisted by Bo Horvat, Mike Matheson

After 40 minutes of play, Slovakia found themselves facing a five-goal deficit and unable to solve the problem that Canada’s offense posed.

Second Period Stats
Shots on Goal: Canada 19 | Slovakia 6
Saves: Binnington 6 | Rybar 16
PIM: Canada 2 | Slovakia 4

Third Period

With Adam Huska replacing Rybar in goal for Slovakia, Canada didn’t let up, adding two more goals in the final frame to seal the shutout victory. Crosby’s second goal of the game came off a slick pass from Dobson, with Crosby redirecting it into the net. MacKinnon sealed the victory with a backhand goal after a breakaway, making it 7-0.

GOAL (8:34): Nathan MacKinnon (CAN) | Assisted by Will Cuylle

Third Period Stats
Shots on Goal: Canada 12 | Slovakia 3
Saves: Binnington 3 | Huska 10
PIM: Canada 4 | Slovakia 4

Final Game Summary

Final Score: Canada 7 – Slovakia 0

Shots on Goal: Canada 44 | Slovakia 14
Saves: Binnington 14 | Rybar 30 | Huska 10
PIM: Canada 6 | Slovakia 10

Canada’s Jordan Binnington was flawless in net, making 14 saves to secure the shutout. Slovakia started the game with Patrik Rybar, who stopped 30 of 35 shots before being replaced by Adam Huska in the third period. Huska faced 10 shots, stopping nine, but was unable to stop the relentless Canadian offense.

Canada’s offensive firepower and Binnington’s flawless performance helped them dominate Slovakia in a 7-0 shutout. Crosby’s leadership on the ice and MacKinnon’s scoring presence ensured that Canada remained in control throughout the game. This win extends Canada’s unbeaten streak against Slovakia in World Championship matchups since 2012.

Players of the Game

SOURCE

International Ice Hockey Federation. (2025, May 16). Canada Dominates Slovakia 7-0 in Group A Action. IIHF. https://www.iihf.com/en/events/2025/wm/news/67704/usa-ger