HockeyNation

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Hey, anyone see Connor's Ninendo games? Russia rolls over Finns,while we have parting gifts for USA and the Czechs

Try as they might no amount of HyvaSumoiGo would work for the fans of Team North America on Thursday afternoon, with the Russian squad taking to their tasks with some serious determination to make sure that they were punching their ticket to a Saturday showdown with their legendary rivals Canada.

Mind you, the Russians did take a bit time to get started, looking like a Lada just hauled out of Vlad's garage in need of a tune up. It took more than few minutes before they took the afternoon match up with Finland in hand by the midway point of period number two.

The middle frame proving to be the end for the Finns as Russia scored two goals in quick succession as Vladimir Tarasenko and Ivan Telegin rattled in markers separated by less than ninety seconds to serve notice that any thought of Finnish resistance perhaps might be futile.

And considering how much the Finnish team had struggled to score through the tournament, a two goal lead by a machine such as the Russians may as well been a ten to nothing shellacking.

Evgini Malkin scored one extra goal in the third just to ensure that the Finns would not grab any momentum, something that for the most part never really appeared to be much of a threat of that happening.

From some early enthusiasm for the gang from Suomi in the early periods, the sudden roll from the Russians had an effect on the Air Canada Centre crowd that quickly channelled the feeling of a quiet Greyhound station awaiting the midnight bus.

The majority of the crowd which appeared keen for a Finnish victory realizing that the prospect of the North American Young Guns advancing was quickly fading into the Toronto afternoon.

Leaving us with only memories of that youthful exuberance and a remarkable run by a group that probably didn't even bother to pack shaving cream.

Though while disappointed that the chance to watch the energetic youngsters continue on into the tournament has been dashed, the consolation prize for hockey fans is a pretty good one, with the Thursday win the Russians set up a Semi Final Showdown with Canada for Saturday night.

A one game winner moves on, loser packs up match up that will call to mind some of the dramatic games of the past whenever the two nations catch up to each other on a sheet of ice.

The night cap game had no drama, no real energy and brought a whole lot of extra baggage into the Air Canada Centre beyond the regular sticks and equipment.

Team USA went into their final game of their tournament experience embroiled in some nasty finger pointing and keeping the twitter feeds of social media alive as they reviewed an avalanche of trolling from players of the past, or those left off the USA's 2016 World Cup roster.

By the time they took the pre game skate, one imagines that the American players no doubt were anxious to be done with the Thursday game ... a feeling similar to those Southwest airlines commercials where you want to get away ... far, far away.

By the time the Americans took to the ice they had already seen the reviews from the US media that was merciless in their coverage of every aspect of the USA experience, from their unfocused play on the ice to the off ice dramas and feuds that would have made them the winners of the most dysfunctional team award of the tournament, if such a thing existed, and if it did, the trophy surely would be spectacular.

The Czechs were no great power house either through the tournament, but hey, someone had to win on Thursday and so, despite an incomprehensible final five minute flurry by the Americans to try and send the game to Overtime, (really what were they thinking?) the Czech Republic held off the furious late game charge and for their troubles suffered a few punches to head of Michal Jordan by Dustin Byfuglien at games end.

That outburst we suspect was one part frustration by the Team USA player and one part the understandable understanding that punching out your coaching staff or some of your own players probably won't earn you a return invite for future international events.

Mr. Jordan became the proxy punching bag of every American player that watched their tournament ambitions just drift away.

The unfortunate thing for Byfuglien is that he was one of the few Americans on the ice for the game who appeared to actually have an interest in giving an effort for the full sixty minutes and up until the time he did the rag doll with Jordan, he was about the only positive story of the game.

Having been scratched in game one (a baffling decision that pretty well set the tone for bad decisions through the tournament for the US), he logged lengthy stretches of ice time including near endless minutes in the third where it seemed that he would never return to the bench, though who could blame him it probably was more fun on the ice.

It was an ugly way to end a hockey game and reflected a terrible ending for a hockey program that not too long ago was putting a scare into the likes of Canada and Russia. The players having headed to a training camp in August with great ambitions on their minds, hopes that were dashed in one, two, three games, Over and Out and on to the post mortem.

The score you ask, what was the score?

A 4-3 final, close we guess, but honestly we're pretty sure no one is going to be going hey, did you see that game last night it was a beauty, it wasn't and no one will...

We doubt that the Americans will be hanging around for the Semi-Finals on the weekend, watching Canada and the Russians on Saturday, or the Swedes and Team Europe on Sunday make their push for the Three Game final series probably is best done from afar, at a bar, done alone.

You can find more on the final day of the preliminary round from our Game Day Archive page, which features game summaries and a collection of commentary and analysis of both games.

World Cup Game Day: Thursday, September 22, 2016

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Young guns find a solution to stifling Swedish defence; Canada powers on past Team Europe

The afternoon opener to Day five got off to a furious start for the North American kids, who came flying out of the gate, ready to take the play to the Swedes and stake a claim for some playoff time when the weekend arrives, should the Oracles of Hockey allow for it.

Such was the lethargic start to the Swedish game, one wonders what it was that their players had blasting through the dressing room prior to game time.

While we can't confirm this, judging by the style of Swedish play in the first ten minutes anyways, it would seem that the Swedes went with this:

While the young guns clearly had tuned into their own Euro mix with some let's get ready to roll tune-age that left nothing to doubt about how they planned to take to the game.

North America jumped out to a fast two goal lead thanks to markers from Auston Matthews who has already won over his Toronto fan base, picking up his 2nd goal of the tourney at the as the first thirty second came to pass, while Vincent Trocheck added to the furious tart with aother one minute later.

The youngsters could have had another as well if Johnny Gaudreau's penalty shot had found the mark, all of which left the Swedes just a little shell shocked before five minutes of play had even passed by.

They did however right their Nordic vessel by the midway point of the first, snatching one goal back at the eight minute mark with a Filip Forsberg marker, it was at that point that the game began to level out a bit, with the Swedes finally regaining a bit of their composure after the flurry of near disasters they had faced.

There would still be more scoring before the first twenty was done however, with Gaudreau atoning for his earlier miss at the 14 minute mark, most likely sending the Flames accountants back to the scratch pads, looking for ways to increase the next contract offer, while keeping everyone else on the NHL roster content.

Nicklas Backstrom pulled the Swedes to within one with less than four minutes to go in the first period.

The Swedes finally figured out how to deal with the energetic upstarts through period two which featured a slightly slower pace that the previous frame, (perhaps to let everyone in the rink and watching at home to catch their breath) with no scoring results to show by the time they all headed back to the dressing room for their second period intermission.

The same pattern marked the start of period three, with the Swedes pulling even with the young guns in the first half of the period with a Patrik Berglund goal, a wake up call that saw the North Americans finally return to their run and gun style through the final ten minutes of the final frame making for some of the finest hockey that fans have seen in a long, long, time.

It was fire wagon hockey at its best, with end to end rushes, spectacular scoring opportunities and equally impressive saves from both Henrik Lundqvist and John Gibson, as they both flashed leather and batted pucks away.

The chances were oh so close for both teams, with the North Americans almost taking the victory in regulation time, but on Wednesday the hockey Gods said play some more and so they did.

Nathan MacKinnon brought the Air Canada Centre to its feet at the 4:11 mark of the overtime period, solving Henrik Lundqvist on final time to send the kids to a victory and into a night of hoping for a positive result from the Finns in their match up with Russian on Thursday.

The Finnish squad is going to be feeling a lot of love when they step onto the ice Thursday afternoon, should they knock off the Russian squad then it's the North American gunners who move on to the playoffs.

Finland may never, ever, have such support in Canada again, as they will find when the puck drops Thursday.

The night cap to Day Five of the tournament was about as anti-climatic as the previous one was manic.

Such is the depth of Team Canada that even by resting some of their biggest names, the inserts more than took on the challenge of the day, knocking down the European squad a peg or so and securing themselves Top Dog status as they head down the path into the playoff round.

With workmanlike precision the Canadians dominated all three periods of their match up with Team Europe, Corey Crawford while not overly challenged was strong in the nets, while Canada's big guns on offence, Sidney Crosby and Jonathan Toews took care of the early scoring.

Crosby opened things up at the four minute mark, with Toews adding to the lead with less than a minute to go in the opening period.

The Europeans managed to snare one back in the first five minutes of the second thanks to Marian Hossa, but any thoughts of a European comeback were getting smothered by the Canadian play at both ends of the rink.

Defensively they surrendered few scoring chances in the Canadian end, were strong on the forecheck in the European one and such was their control of the play, by the time the game came to an end they had out shot the European collective by a 2 to 1 margin.

Jonathan Toews picked up his second goal of the game at the fifteen minute mark of period number two, by which time the Europeans more or less retreated into the ever popular save it for the next game mode, taking few rushes, gaining few scoring opportunities.

Logan Couture salted away the game at the 17 minute point, sending Sports Lottery players to their tickets to check out the goal differential options from their local retail vendor.

The victory gave Canada an unblemished record in Group A play and sets up a semi-final match that will find a very interested and large audience either way, with the prospect of either facing off against the young guns or the Russians, depending on what kind of a frame of mind the Russian team comes out with in their Thursday match up with Finland.

A win sets up the always fascinating competition between hockey styles and emotional pull that a Canada/Russia gave offers, though if the Youngsters should somehow find themselves in the semis, it may be the first time that Team Canada plays a game with an audience that may not be fully onboard, with perhaps a few silently rooting for the kids.

Whichever way the narrative to come may go, the hockey is going to be something to watch.

You can catch up on the torrid pace of the afternoon special, or digest the entrails of the evening light workout through our Game Day Archive, which features game summaries and a collection of commentary from those that took in the game.

World Cup Game Day: Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Our update page for the games of Wednesday, September 21st on the World Cup of Hockey schedule.

8:00 ET/5:00 PT
Team Europe 1 vs Team Canada 4
Game Summary

Game Notes:

With another win, Canada showing why it's the World Cup favourite
Jonathan Toews leads Team Canada past Europe
Team Canada rolls past Team Europe to clinch Group A
Canada's win clinces Group A and sets up a Europe-Sweden semifinal
Team Canada defeats Team Europe to win Group A

Pre Game

Team Canada thriving under pressure
Attention to detail paying off for Team Canada
Team Europe getting respect, still has work to do

3:00 PM ET/12:00 PM
Team North America 4 vs Team Sweden 3 (Overtime)
Game Summary

Game Notes:

Team North America's performance in the World Cup of Hockey was poetic
Team North America should have been true to itself against Sweden
Team North America defeats Sweden in overtime
Young stars mean that for Team USA hockey, the best is yet to come
Team North America has won hearts of fans at World Cup of Hockey
North America's blazing start: The 95 seconds when anything seemed possible for the World Cup's young stars
Team North America nips Sweden in freehweeling thriller, saying alive - for now - at World Cup
Team North America stays alive with thrilling overtime win over Sweden
Team North America pulling for Team Finland
Team North America defeats Team Sweden in overtime
Team North America has been as advertised
End-to-End action at Air Canada Centre
Team North America gives USA hockey hope
Team Sweden wakes up just in time to reach semifinals

Pre Game

Team North America to 'swing the bat' after loss
Team North America dealing with injuries
Team Sweden aims to clinch semifinal berth

Archive Page for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

They Can't all be classics ...

The hockey on Tuesday wasn't pretty,
but the results came as expected

Tuesday delivered a double dose of less than breath taking hockey, with Team Sweden disposing of their rivals the Finns with little concern, while the highly anticipated match up of USA/Canada did not deliver quite the same level of firewagon hockey that the pre game bombast had suggested might be found.

The early game played out almost as though an after though to the day's prime time match up, the pre game oxgen was completely taken by talk of the US and Canadian game for later in the night.

Unless you had your schedule handy, you might not even have realized that there was an afternoon game.

As the Swedes and Finns got their play got rolling, only one team appeared to have received the memo that it was a key game for future plans in the tournament.

Team Sweden with Henrik Lundqvist back in the nets played a solid system game, taking their energy from their goaltenders 36 saves along the way to the 2-0 victory, the second marker an empty net goal to banish any further thoughts the Finns might have had of pushing the Swedes to overtime.

The thing with a European system style hockey game is that when a team has a 1-0 lead, you can actually see the game be drained of any real offence, calling to mind the old Simpson's episode on soccer, pass, pass, pass, pass .... pass, pass, pass.

The Finns once again struggled when it came to their scoring touch, Patrik Laine while getting a few chances could not find the finish required to give the Finns some momentum. At times it appeared that he was the only one moving his legs in a blue and white uniform, the remainder of his team mates giving every indication of not wanting to take any chances, lest they make a tourney ending mistake.

A strategy that while reducing the risk, never, ever seems to deliver a reward.

The Finns did provide for a final minute push, with Laine set up for what would have been perhaps a tournament changing goal, instead his stick shattered, much like the hopes the Finns might have entertained for advancing.

The path for advancement looks beyond hope now, the next game for Finland is against the suddenly rejuvenated Russians on Thursday, who have finally given their own indications that they might just want to stick around for the playoff round.

The Swedes next play the youngsters of Team North America on Wednesday afternoon, making for another strong test for the young guns who will be looking to take care of their collapse in period two of the Russian game. Wednesday's afternoon showdown, makes for a battle for First place in Group B, with Goal Differential perhaps something to watch for as the sixty minutes count down.

For the Prime Time Show on Tuesady, the hype for the Canada/US game was such that some of the epic past battles between the two border nations were being channeled, with some suggestions that Tuesday might be one more for the memory book, leaving visions of a Gold medal game from the Vancouver Olympics dancing in many a head.

And for a few minutes in the first period, it did look like the USA was going to live up to their pre game bombast of the game being their championship match up, coming out with some early energy and grabbing the first marker on the night of the stick of , a lone American goal that would not be matched until very late in the third, the second one benefiting more from some lazy play by the Canadians than any dedicated plan of attack.

Canada quickly stomped on the US insurrection, with Matt Duchene making some noise collecting two goals for the Red and White, Corey Perry had one other, while Patrice Bergeron closed off the scoring on the night for the team with the Maple Leaf on its chest.

Carey Price outplayed his US counterpart Jonathon Quick, with the Montreal Canadiens goaltender stopping 32 saves, though he at times, like his team mates show some signs of losing focus in the third.

The game had turned into a rather plodding affair by that time, the Canadians mainly playing to the clock, waiting for it to wind down and offer the reward of two more points.

And while they didn't look dis-interested in the game, the vibe for much of the second period and first ten minutes of the third was one of a mid-season NHL game, there was little energy and even less inclination to turn up the offensive speed.

The Americans did break some of that lethargic play with one final push in a period when it would count for their tournament hopes, ringing three shots off a post and forcing a few turnovers in the Canadian end to gain some scoring chances all in the final ten minutes or so of the final period.

Price though would shut them down whenever it looked like they were about to make a run, T. J. Oshie reduced the margin with a goal with less than three minutes to play.

The loss eliminated the US team, offering up a final game on Thursday with the Czech Republic, another team that doesn't have much more to do in Toronto now but pack their bags and move on.

The Canadian play wasn't quite the thing of the burning down of the White House of 1812, but the play of the Americans has certainly lit a fire ... under the chairs of the American hockey press who quickly were grabbing the torches and heading the way of John Tortorella.

Even before the final whistle had blown (and truth be told as far back as game one) reporters, announcers and pundits alike wasted little time in performing the autopsy of the American play at the World Cup of Hockey.

And if the court of hockey opinion is to see deliver its judgment, GM Dean Lombardi and coach John Torotrella would seem destined for a post tourney inquisition.

You can review some of that heated discussion, along with the game summaries from Tuesday's action as part of Game Day Archive.

World Cup Game Day: Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Our update page for the games of Tuesday, September 20th on the World Cup of Hockey schedule.

8:00 ET/5:00 PT
Canada 4 vs USA 2
Game Summary

Game Notes:

U.S. has some rethinking to do after Canada sends them packing
Team Canada shows it has no true rival
Team USA made all wrong choices, and paid for it against Canada
Team Canada defeats Team USA, secures semi-final berth
This USA group just couldn't match up to the best
Phil Kessel throws shade at USA Hockey after loss to Canada
Canada flexes muscles in dominating win
Canada's Duchene puts scoring touch on display
Canada knocks U. S. out of World Cup
Kessel takes shot at USA Hockey
USA's World Cup of Hockey medal hopes done after loss to Canada
Team USA's popgun offense, Canada's depth eliminates Americans from the World Cup

Pre Game

Team Canada calm, cool and collected no matter the task at hand
Team USA scratches Jack Johnson, Bradon Dubinsky vs. Canada
U.S's Tortorella's antics leave NHL officials shaking heads
'Let's play the damn game:' U.S. coach John Tortorella says his team is 'coming' for Canada at World Cup
Steven Stamkos couldn't play - and couldn't bear to watch - the last time Canada played the U.S.
Team USA looks to solve Carey Price Tuesday
Five steps USA must take for World Cup of Hockey upset vs. Canada
Team USA's John Tortorella: 'Tuessday is our championship game'
Canada is already in prime form
U. S. in must-win situation vs. Canada in World Cup of Hockey
What to watch for: Canada-USA
Not being on the Olympic-size ice is allowing Team Canada to be prolific offensively
Stamkos finally in for Canada at World Cup of Hockey
USA champing at the bit to play Canadians
Team USA ready to bring physical play against Team Canada
A lot riding for Americans against Canada
Team USA faces must-win game
Team Canada focused on itself, not opponent
Steven Stamkos ready to play against Team USA
Battle lines clearly drawn for Canada-U.S. World Cup showdown
Tortorella on Canada: "That's our championship game"
Steven Stamkos finally on the hockey world stage after Sochi heartbreak
Sidney Crosby and his friends are still humming along 10 years later
Ryan Kesler takes on the villain role at the World Cup of Hockey

3:00 PM ET/12:00 PM
Team Finland 0 vs Team Sweden 2
Game Summary

Game Notes:

Lundqvist powers Sweden to win over Finland
Henrik Lundqvist stonewalls Finland in return from illness as Sweden moves to 2-0 at World Cup
Henrik Lundqvist, Sweden shut out Finland
Henrik Lundqvist bounces back from illness, makes 36 saves in win
Henrik Lundqvist leads Sweden to shutout victory over Finland at World Cup
Patrik Laine held without goal again
Henrik Lundqvist back on top of his game
Henrik Lundqvist, Team Sweden shut out Team Finland

Pre Game

Finland may make changes after loss
Finland hoping slower pace leads to success
Henrik Lundqvist questionable vs Team Finland
What to watch for: Finland-Sweden

Archive Page for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey

Monday, September 19, 2016

A team called Albert continues to shine, While Russia holds off the charge of the young guns

Day Three of the World Cup of Hockey followed two of the more intriguing stories of the tournament so far, as Team Europe and Team North America both squared off against opponents with results that indicate that both may be planning to stick around the Air Canada Centre for a while yet.

The early game featured Team Europe taking on the Czech Republic squad, the European congregation gathered from the index of the European Atlas of smaller countries calls to mind the old Canadian Tire commercial.

That little piece of Canadiana where young Albert who in his early days would frequently be the final player selected as sides were picked, grows into the player that every coach wishes he had on his roster.

So far in this tournament it is the wandering bedouins of Team Europe that most resembles Team Albert.

Such it seems is the narrative for Team Europe so far in the tournament, hardly considered in the pre tournament discussion, then now are becoming one of the main talking points as they find ways to win.

The team of vagabonds that has quickly meshed in a most impressive fashion taking win number two in the tournament with a 3-2 victory over the Czech Republic. Led by Leon Draisaitl who picked up his second goal of the tournament during 3 on 3 play in the Overtime, the Europeans continue to make their mark in a tournament that at times seems to have considered them to be the back end of a hockey draft when you're just throwing darts on a board to see who might stick.

Playing a game of speed with pinpoint passing, they have already caused much discomfort for the teams they have played and even for one that they haven't, with their win on Monday, the Europeans quickly turned Tuesday's Canada/USA match up as a must win for the Americans if they have any desire towards playing into tournament beyond the weekend.

While the Europeans were relishing their status as the surprise of the tourney, the other bookend of the most discussed club of the tournament were squaring off against a most formidable foe, as the youngsters of Team North America prepared to drop the puck with the always dangerous Russian squad.

And for the first twenty minutes, it looked as though the youngsters legs and enthusiasm was going to claim another victim as the Russians look much like they did against the Swedes for the majority of Game one, lethargic and at times baffled as to how they should tackle the energy of their opponents.

Toronto hockey fans got a glimpse of what their NHL future might bring as Maple Leafs prospect Auston Matthews picked up his first goal of the tourney, sending the youngsters to the dressing room up 1-0 after one period of play and if not for the stellar goal tending of Sergei Bobrovsky it could have been a much larger gap.

The Russian goaltender, who for the most part was all but abandoned by his defensive corps held the Russians in this thing through a flurry of scoring opportunities over the first thirty minutes of play, scoring chances that would in the end come to haunt Team North America by the games end.

The Russians finally rose from their on ice slumber midway through the second period and when they did, it was a full on attack on the North American end of the rink, with the Russians scoring four goals in less than ten minutes, a second period onslaught that left the youngsters of North America just a little off balance and in the end chased Matt Murray from the game, relieved perhaps more as a move for confidence by Todd McLellan, though both Murray and the defence in front of him looked shaky during that flurry of Russian scoring.

To their credit and more importantly of some interest for the head coach, the North Americans did not get rattled by the show of Russian offence, chipping away at the lead with one goal in the final minutes of the second frame and then continuing with that momentum in the third period pulling to within one goal four minutes into the final period.

That set the stage for some fascinating and frantic hockey through the remainder of the third period as the North Americans put a big league push on the Russians, rattling shot after shot at Bobrovsky, coming close to scoring a number of times. In the end though, the goaltenders skill and just a wee bit of luck worked to deny what would have been a most amazing comeback.

By the time the final shot had been directed towards the Russian net, Bobrovsky had faced 46 shots and surrendered only three goals as the Russians brought their tournament record to .500 after two games.

With their comeback coming up just a bit short the North Americans however served notice that they won't be intimidated, nor surrender to panic when the going gets tough, the prime time match up of Tuesday offering the most entertaining hockey of the tournament so far and left fans waiting to see what it brings for the young ones when they take to the ice next.

You can find the game summaries and media notes on the Day Two Results on our Game Day Archive for Monday.

Sunday, September 18, 2016

World Cup Game Day: Monday, September 19, 2016

Our update page for the games of Monday, September 19th on the World Cup of Hockey schedule.

8:00 ET/5:00 PT
Team Russia 4 vs Team North America 3
Game Summary

Game Notes:

Team North America and Russians put on a show
Offensive firepower helps Russia to 4-3 win over North America
Team Russia holds off Team North America
Sergei Bobrovsky bails out Team Russia
Team North America still has reason to believe
A gutsy comeback by Team North America fell short as Russians keep hopes alive
Russia beats North America as Sergei Bobrovsky, offense shine
Team North America's inexperience shows in loss to Russia
Team Russia reinvigorates World Cup hopes with high-stakes win
Russians give flashy North Americans reality check
Enjoy World Cup young guns while you can

Pre Game

McDavid, "Millennial" squad have plenty to prove despite low expectations in World Cup of Hockey
Russia facing must-win game
Team North America taking it to traditional hockey powers
Matthews, Eichel excited to finally be fan favourites in Canada
Russian hockey has disappointed at international events
Alex Ovechkin, Team Russia move on after tough loss
Young Guns showing they are contenders for World Cup championship
Team North America shows it's a threat to win the World Cup of Hockey

3:00 PM ET/12:00 PM
Team Europe 3 vs Team Czech Republic 2 (Overtime)
Game Summary

Game Notes:

Europe stays unbeaten at World Cup, edging winless Czech Republic on Leon Draisaitl overtime breakaway
Team Europe's Draisaitl pots OT against Czechs
Team Europe defeats Team Czech Republic on OT
Team Europe defying odds at World Cup
Team Czech Republic needs lots of help, luck
Overtime win puts Europe in good position to advance to World Cup semifinals
Europe's Zdeno Chara making his presence known at World Cup
Europe dumps Czechs in OT for second World Cup win
Draisaitl's OT goal leads Europe past Czech Republic

Pre Game

Petr Mrazek likely to start for Team Czech Republic
Outsiders Team Europe making believers out of skeptics after shocking win
Halak standing tall for Europe
Team Czech Republic knows it can be better
Team Europe turns to Jaroslave Halak, defence again
Team Europe hungry for more at World Cup

Archive Page for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey

Young Guns shoot holes through Finns defence, Swedes shut down Ovie's Russians

The kids remain a major story as
Day Two of the World Cup of Hockey
comes to an end
(photo from WCoH website)

Day Two of the World Cup of Hockey delivered a pair of games that left hockey fans with more than a few themes to chew over until Monday's action, with Team Sweden and the youngsters of Team North America both claiming victory in Sunday play.

The Swedish/Russian game was firmly in control by Tre Kronor for 59 of the 60 minutes, the Swedes employing a solid game plan and building on the confidence that Jacob Markstron showcased in the nets left the Russians somewhat flustered for the majority of the game, making the 2-1 final somewhat much closer than the play really suggested.

Markstrom was pressed into action with little warning after Henrik Lundqvist was a game day scratch owing to illness, and if the fill in had any nerves prior to puck drop he didn't show them once the game was underway, holding off the Russians and their 28 shots, surrendering but one in a flurry of action in the final sixty seconds.

And while the Swedes looked like all their had work was about to be denied in that final moment, a last second play from Alexander Ovechkin was overturned on review when it appeared that he directed the puck behind the Swedish goaltender with his glove, though we imagine to this hour the Russian star is insisting that his stick glanced off the rubber disk before it hit the twine.

Had it counted, the goal might have changed the destiny for both teams after one game of the tournament, but the Hockey Gods viewing the replay display were smiling on the Swedes denying the Russians the equalizer, sending Sweden on to victory.

And that really is how the game should have ended, the Swedes played the much more consistent game of the two, they appeared to fully understand what it was that they had hoped to achieve on the day.

The Russians on the other hand appeared lost at times, the older legs unable to keep up with the Swedes, the ice time management and play design of head coach Oleg Znarok leaving more than a fans baffled.

The best example of the unusual dedication to system hockey, the fact that Alexander Ovechkin as always the best Russian in the lineup, was at times left to contemplate the flow of the Swedish game from the comfort of the Russian bench His ice time delivered in occasional bursts, a strange decision considering how the Swedes were beginning to clearly dominate the play. The concept of mixing up lines, finding a way to get their star player into some open ice not one that appeared to resonate much until the third period.

But for the final minute flurry from Ovechkin which almost turned the tide, Russia's most respected hockey export was almost a non factor on the day.

The win will build confidence for the Swedes who gain a day off on Monday before a match up with long time rival Finland on Tuesday, for the Russians the turn around time is significantly less, with a date with the rising young lads of Team North America arriving in prime time on Monday.

And perhaps that is best for Ovie and his crew, with a loss to haunt them from their opening match, they will be forced to find a sense of urgency against the fleet of foot youngsters of Team North America, an urgency that was clearly absent for the majority of Sunday's game with the Swedes.

And Team North America won't be a push over, their tournament debut against Finland serving notice that the youngsters are here to play and not just sight see the ambience of a high end tournament.

Sunday night's prime time match up was a highly anticipated one, with many fans looking forward to see how Todd McLellan would harness all that energy, though perhaps harness is the wrong term, as the North American youngsters were flying fast more like horses galloping away on an open prairie, dominating pretty well all aspects of play for the majority of the three periods.

With Auston Matthews making his debut in the rink that will be his home for the start of his NHL career, he provided Maple Leaf supporters with ample evidence that the Leafs dedication to building with youth is probably going to be a pretty good plan after all.

Matthews was instrumental in the North American squads first goal, picking up the helper on Jack Eichel's marker and while that would be his only point on the night it wasn't for a lack of trying, though that could be said for much of the young lineup, as opportunity after opportunity presented itself with the Finns lucky that the tally wasn't significantly higher than the 4 -1 final.

Such was the control of the offensive zone by the youngsters that Finland goaltender Pekka Rinne was so rattled by the never ending attack that on many of the 43 shots directed his way, a quick glance was required backwards to make sure that the puck hadn't gone into the net, in short confidence was not the recurring theme for the goaltender, or his team mates on the night.

At the other end of the rink, Matt Murray denied all but one of the 25 shots that Finland managed to get into the North American end, the lone marker coming in the final five minutes of play, a brief push by the Finns delivering at least one goal on the night, though it was more a case of some sloppy play by the North American defence than any dedicated offensive explosion that rewarded Valtteri Filppla with his point.

The Finns won't be around for long if they don't solve some of the glaring errors that they showcased on Sunday, Team Sweden their next opponent played a text book perfect game against the Russians.

Finland from what they have show to this point is not anywhere close to that level, making Tuesday's game one that they will require some fast readjustment if there are to be any plans for an extended stay in Toronto.

Team North America can bask in the well deserved attention directed their way following night number one, the glowing reviews warranted for a strong effort. But no doubt Todd McLellan will get them back to focusing on the next challenge, one which comes up pretty fast with an angry and motivated Team Russia perhaps ready to provide the youngsters with a reality check from a dangerous opponent.

So far however after the opening weekend, beyond the domination of Team Canada on Saturday, the youngsters have been the talk of the tournament for the last few days.

Such has been the success of the Young Guns to this point and the interest that they have generated among hockey fans, that tournament organizers probably can't help but wonder how to take the concept of the bounty of youth to another level.

With Team North America capturing so much attention to this point and playing so well, an invite to the champions of the Quebec City Pee Wee Tournament should be the next step for the World Cup of Hockey ... considering how some of the teams have fared so far (looking at you Finland, USA) the Pee Wee's probably would bring more energy and have a lot more fun.

You can find the game summaries and media notes on the Day Two results on our Game Day Archive for Sunday.

Saturday, September 17, 2016

World Cup Gameday: Sunday, September 18, 2016

Our update page for the games of Sunday, September 18th on the World Cup of Hockey schedule.

8:00 ET/5:00 PT
Team North America 4 vs Team Finland 1
Game Summary

Game Notes:

North America skates circles around Finland as Auston Matthews shines in three-goal win
Team North America puts on a show in win against Finland
Team North America shows it's a threat to win the World Cup of Hockey
Team North America lives up to the Young Guns nickname
Team North America dominates Finland at World Cup of Hockey
Team North America dominates Team Finland in convincing win
Auston Matthews crowd favourite in North America World Cup win
Team North America beats Finland at World Cup of Hockey
Team North America easily defeats Team Finland

Pre Game

North America lays it all on the first line by pairing Auston Matthews with Connor McDavid
Team North America ready to follow Europe's shocking lead
Auston Matthews, Patrik Laine renew burgeoning rivalry - with more than a World Cup win on the line
Matthews-McDavid could be WCH's dynamic duo
McDavid, Matthews making hockey a young man's game
How Connor McDavid prepared for the World Cup of Hockey
Finland finding the perfect balance of youth and experience
Team North America leaning toward Matt Murray
Matt Murray to start in Team North America opener
Pekka Rinne likely to be starter for Team Finland
Morgan Rielly keeps his eye on the prize
Dylan Larkin makes his mark for Team North America
Welcome, Auston: Matthews lining up with McDavid and Scheifele to start World Cup

3:30 PM ET/12:30 PM
Team Sweden 2 vs Team Russia 1
Game Summary

Game Notes:

Sweden rides firm goaltending withstands last-minute flurry from Alex Ovechkin to win World Cup opener
Jacob Markstrom steps in for ill Henrik Lundqvist to help Sweden beat Russia
Fill-in Jacob Markstrom guides Sweden past Russia at World Cup of Hockey
Sweden outlasts Russia despite absence of ill Henrik Lundqvist
Jacob Markstrom stops 27 as Team Sweden downs Team Russia
Sedin twins driver by Cup dreams
Sweden edges Russia in World Cup opener
Team Sweden edges Team Russia in opener
Alex Ovechkin, Team Russia move on after tough loss
Team Sweden responds right way

Pre Game

Lundqvist out for Sweden, Markstrom starting vs. Russia
What to expect from Team Russia at the World Cup
Russia's World Cup of Hockey entry stronger than it first appears
Team Sweden, Team Russia look for clean slate
Vladimir Trasenko a threat for Team Russia
Oliver Ekman-Larsson seeks expanded role at World Cup
Team Russia has solid goalie options

Archive Page for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey

Canada rolls to an easy victory, as the Americans find a harder path after Day One Action at World Cup

They're off and running and Team Canada looks to have things well in hand after Day One of the World Cup of Hockey in Toronto.

If the World Cup of Hockey was to be a Western, it would resemble a competition between Stage Coach teams, the Canadian Coach, travelling along the winding road ahead with confidence, staying on the trail, keeping it's pace fast, the dynamite on board dry, stable and secure.

Meanwhile, the Czech stage is still stuck back just a short distance from the starting line, the horses rather tired, the map they've been given to start their journey suddenly more than a little confusing, holding few clues as to how to make it to the first checkpoint.

As for the Americans? Well at the moment, their coach (read that in any number of ways if you will) is on the side of the road while they fix a wheel or two, that dynamite is dangling from the back of the coach and could go boom any moment and the guy handling the reins is probably not the most popular cowboy to be found along the dusty trail.

The other competing stage line of Day One is a Bedouin like collective of European that are more akin to hobos travelling on a boxcar, and on Saturday they clearly relished their roles as the spoilers of the opening match of the World Cup, delivering a significant setback to the Americans suggestion that this tournament marked "their time".

The first game of the day featured that Team Europe congregation who came out fast and showed little in the way of being intimidated by an American squad that struggled to find the net and at times couldn't match the speed of the Europeans, with the USA looking confused at what was happening and more importantly how to address the challenges that began to present themselves through one, two and three periods of play.

The advantage of being a team that most were dismissing quickly became clear to those watching the ice breaker of the tournament, the Europeans played very loose and gained confidence with each shift, the Americans were tight on the ice, their desperation level creeping higher and higher as the Europeans continued to add to the scoreboard.

The head scratching actually began prior to puck drop, when head coach John Tortorella announced his Game Day scratches, with Dustin Byfuglien listed as not dressing for the game, left to watch the contest from above.

A coaching decision that proved to be the first of many questions on the day that provided more than a few areas of concern for fans of the US squad, some of whom have already wondered aloud just what kind of team GM Dean Lombardi had settled on.

The Americans, a team that likes to play the physical game, didn't channel much of that kind of play through the sixty minutes as the Europeans began to build their lead on the way to the 3-0 final score.

The only time the Americans found their mark delivered a goal that in the end was disallowed, which wasn't helpful for a team that has struggled to find the net at the best of times in the run up to the round robin play.

Things weren't helped by the pace that the Europeans brought to the game, picking up their first goal of the game in period one, adding two more in the middle frame, capitalizing on sloppy defensive play and turnovers that proved fatal to the US side as the game moved into the final period of play.

For the most part, the European team kept to a well defined approach, rarely taking chances and frustrating the US for much of the play, Goaltender Jaroslav Halak was well into the American psyche by the third period, holding the US attack scoreless despite firing 35 shots his way.

As the time began to wind down through the final frame, the Americans could not find the way to break the grasp that the multi-nation lineup had on the play.

Things don't get any easier for the USA, which with one loss already on the books, now has to take on the Canadian team on Tuesday, about the only benefit of that match up is that the importance of the game should mean that the Americans return to their physical style.

Something that will at least help them get back into some form of rhythm as they look to quickly turn themselves around on a road that suddenly looks like a fast track to elimination from the tournament.

As for the Canada/Czech Republic match up, the Canadians took their workman like approach into the first period and never put down their tools, collecting three goals in period number one, setting a fast paced tone that kept the Czechs off balance for most of the sixty minutes of play.

Sidney Crosby provided not only the on ice leadership that comes naturally, but he delivered on the score sheet regularly, with one goal of his own and two helpers on the way to 6-0 Canadian victory.

The Canadian scoring distribution was fairly wide with six players collecting goals, with Crosby and Brad Marchand six points alone, collecting goals and assists through the three periods of play.

Carey Price continued on with his remarkable record of shut out hockey in International Play and while not particularly over worked, especially in the final two periods when the Czechs struggled significantly, Price did get to see enough action to put to rest any concerns that fans might have had about his health after last years injury plagued season.

The Canadian start was about the best result that head coach Mike Babcock could have hoped for, his team did not take their competition lightly, playing hard for much of the game long after the result was no longer in doubt.

Every line and each shift sticking to the lesson plans of the training period, the blue print providing a notice that Team Canada is fully aware of what's at stake and are more than ready to keep to their plan as they travel through the two weeks ahead.

You can find the game summaries and media notes on the action from Day one on our Game Day Page for Saturday's play.

World Cup Gameday: Saturday, September 17, 2016

Our update page for the games of Saturday, September 17th on the World Cup of Hockey schedule.

8:00 ET/5:00 PT
Team Czech Republic 0 vs Team Canada 6
Game Summary

Game Notes:

Sidney Crosby was Canada's best player, as it should be
Team Canada sends clear message in World Cup Opener
Crosby, Marchand combine for 6 points in Team Canada win
Crosby leads the way as Canada hammers Czech Republic
Sidney Crosby walks the walk, tallying three points as Canada breezes to blowout victory at World Cup
Sidney Crosby's dominence helps Canada blank Czech Republic
Team Canada handles Team Czech Republic in opener

Pre Game

Price mentally focused for WCH opener
Canada-Czech matchup stirs up memories of historic Darryl Sittler goal
Team Canada going with Carey Price in net
Team Canada full of confidence going into World Cup
Czechs happy to fly under World Cup radar
Team Canada wary of Team Czech Republic in opener
Michal Neuvirth best choice for Team Czech Republic
Shea Weber expected to play World Cup opener Saturday

3:30 PM ET/12:30 PM
Team USA 0 vs Team Europe 3
Game Summary

Game Notes:

Halak, Team Europe stun United States in World Cup of Hockey opener
Jaroslav Halak stops 435 as Team Europe blanks Team USA
Team Europe shuts out quiet Team USA in World Cup opener
Team USA must respond quickly
Team Europe confident after World Cup opener
Curious decisions lead to Team USA loss
Unheralded Eurpeans blank U.S. at World Cup of Hockey, opening tournament with upset win
Team Europe shocks U.S. in World Cup opener
Team USA's World Cup game plan already out the window
Team Europe, goalie Jaroslav Halak stun United States in WC opener
Team USA's offense fails to ignite in opening World Cup loss to Europe
Team USA already on brink at World Cup of Hockey after shutout loss
Team USA trying to figure out what went wrong in stunning loss to Europe
Team USA shut out by Team Europe in Opener

Pre Game

Byfuglien, Palmieri scratched for U.S. in World Cup opener
Team Europe can't get no respect ahead of World Cup of Hockey
Is opening game against Europe a must-win for Team USA?
Breaking Down USA's Strengths, weaknesses vs. Europe
Team USA knows 'it's time right now to get the job done' at World Cup of Hockey
'This is our time' to win World Cup of Hockey, Americans say
Team USA says "It's time" to win
Team USA ready for opener against Team Europe
Team USA, Team Europe eager for World Cup opener

Archive Page for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey