Leon Draisaitl scored the overtime winner as Team Europe edged the Czech Republic 3-2 on Monday afternoon at the World Cup of Hockey.
Mats Zuccarello sprung Draisaitl in all alone at 2:06 of the extra period, and the Oilers forward beat Czechgoalie Petr Mrazek low on his blocker side for his second goal of the tournament.
With the win, Europe takes over the top spot in Group A with a 2-0 record. The loss drops the Czechs to 0-2 and all but eliminates them from advancing to the semifinals.
Zdeno Chara and Zuccarello scored in regulation for Europe while Jaroslav Halak stopped 28 shots for his second win of the tournament.
Jakub Voracek and Martin Hanzal responded for the Czech Republic. Mrazek made 38 saves in the loss.
Europe took a 2-1 lead at 2:17 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 the game 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.
The two teams were tied 1-1 after 40 minutes.
Chara opened scoring
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 the game 1-1 at 13:28 of the middle frame getting around a pinching Roman Josi and beating 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 defenceman Michal Kempny jumped on a lose puck in the crease giving Europe a penalty shot. Anze Kopitar took the shot but cold not beat Mrazek five-hole with a backhand deke.
Then, just past the six-minute mark of the second, Marian Hossa beat Halak glove side, but put his wrist shot off the post.
The Czechs conclude the preliminary round against North America on Wednesday while Europe plays Sweden.
Europe sinks Czechs on Draisaitl OT winner
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