Draisaitl's OT goal leads Team Europe over Czechs, puts pressure on U.S.

Leon Draisaitl’s overtime goal gave Team Europe a 3-2 victory over the Czech Republic and put the pressure on the U.S. ahead of their meeting with Canada on Tuesday.

Coming off a 3-0 shutout of the Americans, Team Europe kept goaltender Petr Mrazek and the Czechs busy Monday afternoon, but couldn’t shake them until the extra period.

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A goalless game was broken in the second period when Zdeno Chara whipped a shot from the side boards by Mrazek for the 1-0 lead. Team Europe had a golden opportunity to take the lead minutes earlier on an Anze Kopitar penalty shot, but Mrazek denied the chance.

Team Europe’s lead would only last 3:23 when Jakob Voracek scored his first of the tournament with 6:32 left in the period.

Despite no luck on the power play (0-for-6), Team Europe kept peppering the Czech net with shots (41-30 SOG) and regained the lead early in the third period. Mats Zuccarello skated into the offensive zone and chucked a soft wrister at Mrazek, who misplayed the shot with his glove.

Mrazek’s blunder came moments after a great glove save on Roman Josi during a Team Europe power play.

Via Pete Blackburn:

While Team Europe couldn’t capitalize on their extra man opportunities, the Czechs cashed in once on their four chances when Martin Hanzel put home a Vladimir Sobotka shot from the point that deflected on its way in and rebounded off the back boards with 11:29 to go. That goal would send the game to 3-on-3 overtime.

In the extra period, it was Zuccarello again making something happen. A quick transition following a Czech shot would allow Draisaitl to sprint up ice where the Norwegian would find him for a breakaway.

The victory puts Team Europe in a great spot to advance to the semifinals with a final group game against Canada remaining. As for how this result affects the U.S., the Americans now must defeat Canada Tuesday night or be eliminated. No pressure.

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Sean Leahy is the associate editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Sean_Leahy