Team Europe’s training camp got off to a slow start because numerous players were engaged in Olympic qualifying games in Europe.
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Team USA F Brandon Dubinsky (19) and Team Canada’s Drew Doughty (8) battle for the puck during the 1st period of their game at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio on September 9, 2016.
Before Saturday’s game, Team USA head coach John Tortorella was concerned his team was sloppy in the win Friday night – Canada outshoot the US 43-25 in that game – and wanted to see a more cohesive effort this time around.
Here’s a look at five takeaways from USA’s win Friday night.
Team Europe plays Team North America in the Third World Cup of Hockey installment, a revival of the 2004 NHL event. Skillwise, these teams have undeniable talent with Team Europe’s roster including the likes of Slovak Marian Gaborik and Slovenian Anze Kopitar headlining a team with players from Germany, Switzerland, Austria, France and Denmark. The reality is in a short tourney there is no time to put the pieces in place and let the team grow together which is why some success against the US was paramount. “I’m used to him yelling at me on our bench”, Tavares said through a big smile. I expect Canada to go undefeated in round robin play, and be the 1 seed.
With the Canadians icing such blue-line notables as Doughty, Brent Burns and Shea Weber, Muzzin could be overlooked.
As forward John Tavares noted, the club is still trying to find its comfort zone after less than a week on the ice together, but the players certainly feel good about where they’re at.
McDavid, 19, had 16 goals and 48 points in 45 games last season. And the Canadians owned the puck.
“We were pretty happy with our game (Friday), and the difference was we weren’t able to capitalize on our chances”, said Duchene. They also got a little reckless, with a few hits that knocked Canadian players out of the game briefly.
Is Canada really the better team, though?
It worked for one game, but will it work when these games count? Then, they’ll meet for a THIRD time (this time in the World Cup) during pool play, which will mean these two teams will be absolutely sick of the sight of each other! Quick was excellent early in the game and likely was the difference.
Canada opened the scoring with three straight goals in the first period.
The U.S. has a tough decision to make about their starting goalie.
“What happens is to us … when Wayne (Gretzky) and Mario Lemieux and Bobby Orr leave, you think who’s going to be the next one?”
– Tortorella knows he has hard lineup decisions ahead.
The European side had only 10 players at its first skate on Monday, with others joining the next day after playing in an Olympic qualifying tournament. He started the game and remained in it until he was pulled for an extra attacker late, stopping 20 of 23 shots.
The youngsters set the tone in the first period, dominating Europe team, but cannot open the scoring.
Sure, Price allowed three goals. Price hasn’t been handling rebounds all night and the Sharks captain took advantage of this. Though coach Mike Babcock indicated Giroux’s condition isn’t serious and he will practise Tuesday in Pittsburgh, the start of the World Cup of Hockey is fast approaching. It’s not like he played poorly, either. He’ll probably get at least half of one more game to test himself before the tournament is for real.
“As you saw both sides the tempo wasn’t almost as fast as (Friday) night”, said US forward Max Pacioretty. Tortorella wanted them finishing checks and always letting the opponent know they’re there. Toews dropped his gloves and tried to get at Kesler as a scrum ensued. Full video of that incident here.
“Didn’t feel too good (when he woke up)”, said Giroux, who left the game briefly Friday. Couture did eventually return. Their legs connected, though.
Notes: Canada C Sidney Crosby and D Jake Muzzin did not play Saturday night.
Team North America is catching people’s attention before the World Cup. Bergeron had seven of them.
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The effort is only going to have to improve, because before the Canadians know it, this tournament will be underway.
