Canada’s game plan was painfully obvious but at the same mystifying and they were lucky it did not blow up in their face. Today they were playing Norway, a team that has shocked Sweden, Switzerland and almost upset the Americans. The main reason for the Norwegians success is there power play which was ranked #1 with a 33.3% success ratio.
So one would assume Canada’s objective would be to stay out of the penalty box. Early on Canada tried to intimidate there opponents, they got to aggressive early so much, that Norway had a 2-man advantage less than 1 minute into the game. Luckily for Canada they did not score on that power play nor any other in the game.
Canada scored once in each period, taking a 3-0 lead, but late in the game they had a major scare. Norway’s Marius Holtet and Ken Andre Olimb scored 73 seconds apart in the 3rd, and then they came close to tying the game on many occasions. And despite losing 3-2, Norway got a mental boost of confidence, as it was a much better effort compared to an 8-0 in the 2010 Olympics to Canada.
Canada not satisfied
Despite winning and outshooting their opponent 43-27, the Canadians again were not overly satisfied with their overall effort, same thing with Friday’s win over the Americans. When it’s all said and done, Canada has to realize it takes more than 2 weeks to get use to the European ice surface compared to the North American ice surface. Goaltending today was not great, LA Kings netminder Jonathan Bernier’s second goal allowed was a weak wrist shot along the ice.
Norway not taking a backseat to anyone
Despite Canada’s attempt to shove Norway around in the first period, they changed their approach for the second and third period. Norway Goalie Lars Haugen again was impressive making 40 saves; he is arguably the tournament MVP no matter where his team finishes. But the team as a whole is surprising everyone and no longer the push overs like they’ve been in the past. With the exception of team coach Roy Johansen, no one would have given them a chance again Canada or the Americans, they almost got this game into overtime.
Norway has a must win again on Monday against France. If they win, they guarantee themselves a spot in the quarter finals, and at least a spot in the top 8. But Norway is hoping for is a quarter final matchup against Germany, with Norway’s goaltending and power play, they’d have to be considered the favourites.
France inches from doing Norway a favour
France just about pulled off an upset against the USA, losing 3-2, but in the final seconds came within inches of taking the game to overtime. American goalie Ty Conklin had to make 3 large saves very late. If the French could have gotten game to overtime, that would have cost them Americans 1 huge point, which would have favoured Norway.
The win pulls USA two points ahead of Norway in group F. Looking at the standings right now, its imperative that Norway beats France in regulation. If they do, Switzerland would then need to beat Sweden and the Americans in regulation.
Germany loses to Denmark in overtime
The Germans came crashing back down to earth after a 5-4 loss to Denmark in a shootout. Germany is guaranteed to be in the quarter finals, but their chances to finish second are all but gone away. They are in 3rd place with 8 points, they need to be the Czech’s (unbeaten) in regulation and then need Russia to lose one of their two remaining games, to stay in third place.
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