That style worked to the tune of a 4-2 victory in the warmup game in Nationwide Arena, but the Canadian squad looked like world beaters in their 6-0 demolition of the Czech Republic on the weekend.
Advertisement
Slovak goaltender Jaroslav Halak has stopped 63 of 65 shots in his first meaningful games since March because of a groin injury, Chara is doing his job on defense and Kopitar and Marian Hossa are supplying strong play up front. “It’s a lot of fun”.
Canada has treated the United States like a younger brother: always making them think they have a chance, but ultimately, it’s just a tease. We’ve never used any negative motivators in our process.
Players have their native flags stitched on their shoulders, but the NHL-created Team Europe crest isn’t something they dreamt of playing for. After limiting Leon to just 7:15 of ice time (and that hugely important goal) in Europe’s 3-0 whitewash of the Americans, Krueger was a little more generous today in allotting 13:00 to the German.
Torts reminds to not infer with the lineup we’ve seen, but stressed he wants Abdelkader to be higher up in the lineup.
The Americans put themselves in this position with an uninspiring effort in a 3-0 loss to Team Europe on Saturday in the opener of the two-week tournament. Mrazek made 38 saves.
Europe took a 2-1 lead at 2:17 of the third period on Zuccarello’s first of the tournament.
The two teams were tied 1-1 after 40 minutes. “Either of us are joking each other if we’re saying it’s just another game”. And as for USA -based interest in ESPN’s ice-bound product of the moment – well, as much as it appeared to pain Pietrangelo to talk about how the commercial success of ESPN’s return to the rink was residing on such dubious footing, he was well aware that it’s also Canada’s duty to strike its death blow.
After beating the Americans, Krueger heard from a number of well-wishers across the ocean, through text and social media.
“I think it’s an unbelievable marketing scheme”.
“There have been a load of messages directed to (GM) Miroslav Satan, (president) Franz Reidl and myself, very encouraging and very pleased with that first result”. “We’ve go to rebound”. The talented Nashville Predator, who set their team record for points by a defenceman previous year with 61, was chosen with a second round pick that once belonged to the Leafs. The Leafs could have had Perreault on waivers earlier that season, while the pick they gave up eventually moved to Nashville. If there is one thing we can guarantee you, there is some great hockey waiting for us. “It’s fun to have this event in a hockey city”. “[You] just have to learn from it, wipe the slate clean, come into the next game full of confidence and play the way you know you can”.
Advertisement
Make that “yet another” red letter day for the big German, who was a key player in his country’s successful qualification for the 2018 Olympics at the beginning of the month, including a one-goal-one-assist performance in Germany’s 3-2 nail-biter over Latvia that clinched the Olympic berth. “There were some awesome saves (by Mrazek)”. Needing offence as well as defence, Krueger turned more often to #29, and was rewarded with solid play at both ends of the ice. There’s no big panic. “As long as we’re getting those opportunities, that’s the main thing”. They respect the game and the older players in the game, but they have a little more courage to go out and play against them.
