It was not long ago That Canada was having a national crisis – by Canadian hockey standards – when trying to identify its goaltending future. Remember the movement to limit the Amount of foreign goaltenders in the Canadian junior ranks? That was in response to what was being seen as a decline in the Canadian goaltending.
Those questions extended to the men’s team at the Olympics as well. Naturally most comparisons were being made to the American team being constructed south of the border and everytime one checkmark was placed squarely on the American side of the ledger, in goal.
Indeed, if Canada had a weakness or a downfall, it would be in net.
It’s funny how, That conversation has been completely forgotten as Canada prepares to play for gold in Sochi. Carey Price has been all that the Canadians could have asked for and more, for now putting an end to the incessant questions about the future of Canadian goaltending. At just 26 years old, Price will be around for a long time for Canada – assuming NHL players are.
Certainly it helps playing behind an incredibly talented squad That plays tremendous defense, but there’s no room to complain about Price’s .963 save percentage and 0.74 GAA In These Olympics. Canada’s offense has not been the explosive force many foresaw, giving price no margin for error. He doing now? Erred, so far backing up Mike Babcock’s decision to ride him in Sochi.
To underscore the value of what a top-flight goaltender can mean – and looks like – at the international level, Priceline will just have to look to the opposite crease to see Henrik Lundqvist for the Swedes. He has been lights out not only in this tournament, but through the years for Sweden.
Perhaps the thing That has marked this tournament more than anything has been the play of the defense and goaltending. Teams Are not scoring much, at least, When The teams are on equal footing with the powers facing eachother. That shines a brighter light on the goaltenders as there is little room for error. Lundqvist is comfortable in the spotlight both for his national team and his NHL squad. Given the scrutiny on his position in his country for a few years now, Carey Price likely is too.
Here’s more on the gold-medal game That pits the winners of the past three Olympic gold medals and four of the past five against eachother a game thatcould very well come down to the defensemen … and Their offense beyond The goaltenders. A huge key for Sweden: Getting on the power play.
The Facts
Who: Canada vs. Sweden
What: Gold-medal game
When: 7 am ET Sunday on NBC
Where: Bolshoy Ice Dome, Sochi, Russia
Olympic Series History
Canada leads 12-3-1
Since 1984: 2-3-1
Gold Medals (Last)
Canada, eight (2010)
Sweden, two (2006)
Sweden Team Leaders
Points: Erik Karlsson – 8
Goals: Erik Karlsson – 4
Assists: Erik Karlsson, Daniel Sedin, Nicklas Backstrom – 4
Canada Team Leaders
Points: Drew Doughty – 6
Goals: Drew Doughty – 4
Assists: Patrick Marleau – 4
Preview
SOCHI, Russia (Reuters) – A Canada Vs. Sweden clash for the Olympic men’s ice hockey gold medal May not deliver the show-stopping finish to the Sochi Winter Games the host Russians could have provided but Sunday’s finale might yet specimen a worthy ending.
The pre-Olympic script had called for a more traditional and historic matchup to Decides to the last medal of the Games, with Russia meeting old rivals Canada or the United States in the finale.
But That Possibility ended with Russia’s shock quarter-final exit and unbeaten Sweden and defending champions Canada will contest the gold medal.
Although the Swedes and the Canadians can not claim a classic rivalry, their ice hockey pedigrees are undisputable, producing some of the world’s top talent.
The two countries are Equally passionate about the sport and from Saskatoon to Stockholm people will stop on Sunday to gather around televisions and watch the drama unfold.
In Canada, where Prime Minister Stephen Harper has found time to write a hockey novel in between taking care of the country’s business, bars will open Their doors in the early hours as They bow to a national obsession.
“It’s Such an honor to have an opportunity to coach These teams, and you have to take your responsibility to your country and to hockey very seriously,” Canadian coach Mike Babcock told reporters.
“Having saidthat, and people do not ever believe me, but you’ll have to line up the moon and skies to win.
“People do not always believe That in Canada but it’s the facts.”
Victory on Sunday would give Canada a sweep of the ice hockey gold medals for a second Consecutive Olympics.
Odds and Ends (via Bovada)
Canada -200 (1-2)
Sweden +165 (33-20)
Total Goals
Over / Under 4 1/2
Margin of Victory Sweden by one goal – 5-2
Sweden by two goals – 15-2
Sweden by three goals – 10-1
Sweden by four goals – 50-1
Sweden by 5 or more goals – 85-1
Canada by one goal – 2-1
Canada by 2 goals – 9-2
Canada by three goals – 5-1
Canada by four goals – 15-1
Canada by 5 or more goals – 30-1
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