Talk about a tough act to follow.
Yesterday, the women’s team played one of the most entertaining games of the tournament. Two goals in the last four minutes to tie it, and then a dramatic overtime winner from Marie-Philip Poulin to seal a Gold medal for Canada. Today the men’s team hope to book a spot in the final with only the tournament’s best team standing in their way.
Through the round robin and quarter final portion of the Olympic hockey tournament in Sochi, the Americans have been the most impressive team. On the heels of a silver medal performance in Vancouver four years ago, they seem 100% focused on Gold this year. Their offence has been the best in the tournament, paced by the Phil Kessel line. He leads the tournament in scoring with 8 points and will certainly be a factor in today’s game.
Meanwhile Canada comes into this game as the most questioned undefeated team you’ll ever see. The goaltending and defence have been excellent but the forwards just haven’t been able to find chemistry. Babcock has shuffled the combinations each game hoping to find a spark but still goal scoring remains an issue. They are certainly generating chances but just seem to lack finish so far. The good news is the percentages suggest this Canadian team is due to break out.
Here’s how Team Canada is expected to line up.
Kunitz-Crosby-Bergeron
Marleau-Toews-Carter
Benn-Getzlaf-Perry
Sharp-Duchene-Nash
St. Louis
Keith-Weber
Vlasic-Doughty
Bouwmeester-Pietrangelo
Hamuis
Carey Price gets the start in the Canada goal. Puck drops just after 12:00 PM.
I’m already sick with nerves.
GO CANADA GO!
