It was a sign, perhaps, that the Americans are eager to put their miserable start to the World Cup of Hockey – a 3-0 loss to Team Europe on Saturday night – behind them.
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“It was definitely nice to get a few shots off the get-go”, Price said. “And just let it roll from there”. It just comes down to preparing the right way and just letting your instincts take over.
It’s more than instincts with Price, who has not allowed a goal internationally in more than 224 minutes. He did not play after November 25 as the team completely crumbled down the stretch, completely erasing what had been one of the best starts in franchise history.
But back to that first save. He also continued his dominance for Team Canada.
That could be bad news for the rest of the teams, but it’s early yet.
Instead Price, the subject of baffling and unwarranted speculation about his readiness the past week, showed he was poised and ready. We’re working on our game hard here and we’re going to rebound.
“Guys get together off the ice and they get to know each other and they get the feel for each other’s personalities”, said goalie Carey Price. “We’ll see how he is today”. David Pastrnak and Jakub Voracek led the Czechs with four shots on goal apiece. And two, padding the goal differential margin in case it becomes an issue …
Slovakian Marian Gaborik scored the opener in the first period before further strikes from Germany’s Leon Draisaitl and France’s Pierre-Edouard stunned the pro-American crowd. But that’s not what had his Canadian teammates, National Hockey League all-stars and award winners themselves, raving a day after the 6-0 win over the Czech Republic. The back-check hustle to set up Canada’s third goal as the opening period expired was vintage Crosby. “I think that’s something I’ve improved on over the last couple of games. We have a lot of people kind of behind us as a team and rooting for us”. Not so much for the physical and practicing, but the mental.
“He’s obviously an incredible player and he’s very easy to play with”, Marchand said. They will need to conjure up the kind of emotion they showed when they defeated Canada in a hard-hitting, often nasty pre-tournament game on September 9. Crosby’s opening goal survived a Czech-requested review for goaltender interference.
“That’s why we had guys standing still at the blueline and we were spread apart”, he said. “When you play Canada, it’s more of a clash”. Crosby and Bergeron have been an effective tandem numerous times for Canada. Canada’s Sidney Crosby (87) receives fist bumps from teammates after he scored Canada’s first goal during the first period of a World Cup of Hockey game against Czech Republic, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016 in Tor. At least Team USA coach John Tortorella has two off days to apply his genius and devise a game plan for Tuesday’s near must-win vs. the Canadians. Canada might still be the unanimous favourite amongst fans.
Krueger said Saturday afternoon that his players were “ready to look America in the eyes”. No, not “give Canada the damn trophy already”, though I did have that thought last night. By the time the sluggish Americans picked up the pace and started hitting, the game got out of hand.
I’m curious though. If they do cross the finish line first, which anthem will be played first? Neuvirth finished with 44 saves on 50 shots.
Team Europe may be the oldest and slowest squad competing in the eight-team tournament and were a popular pick to finish last before the competition began, but they quickly sent a message that they have loftier ambitions.
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“It’s about getting to the net”, the coach said.
