to move up and down
No gold: While you were sleeping (we assume), Canada lost 5-1 to the U.S. in the world junior semi-final and are now left playing for bronze. Photo: Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press
Canada will meet the United States in a sudden death semi-final showdown Thursday at 4 a.m. ET. You should probably take your pre-game nap now.
A look at Canada’s defence after Wednesday’s rout of Germany: Dougie Hamilton said there was definitely some hesitancy in the opening game against Germany — a 9-3 win for Canada — given the team mandate to keep the penalties at four or under but he, too, was certain they’d play a tighter checking game as the tournament rolled along.
“We will have to tighten up when we play the U.S and Russia,” Hamilton said, “but with the penalties, we’re still not sure what we can do and I think it’s tougher with the bigger ice.” (Photo: Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press)
Photo day: Who needs the NHL when the Canadian world junior team is about to jet off to Russia? Here’s a look at who made the cut (Photos: Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press)
How Swede it is
Sweden’s Mika Zibanejad, who scored the winning goal in overtime, holds a sign while celebrating after defeating Russia in the gold medal game. Photo: REUTERS/Todd Korol
The fatal blow
George Johnson: Time after time it beat down on the Russian shore, this relentless blue-tinted yellow wave. In the end, justice, as that wave finally pulled Russian resistance underneath the surface, Ottawa Senators prospect Mika Zibanejad powering to the net and knifing an unstoppable backhander past heroic netminder Andrei Makarov 10:09 into overtime. Photo: Todd Korol/Reuters
Hugs for everyone
Canada won the bronze medal game at the world junior hockey championships on Thursday, a small consolation after losing a heartbreaking semi-final to Russia earlier this week. The gold medal game starts at 8 p.m. ET.
See you next year
First they self-destructed. Then, they almost put the pieces back together.
But there is no consolation in it for Canada’s teenagers.
From down by five goals to Russia in the third period of the semi-final at the IIHF world junior championship, to one goalpost shy of a miracle comeback in the final minute. Their consolation — a shot at the bronze medal Thursday afternoon against Finland — won’t put much of a smile on their faces, even if they can find the gumption to give it their best shot. Photo: Todd Korol/Reuters
Decisive defeat
In a game that provided as much excitement as a day on the job for a parking lot attendant, Canada annihilated Denmark 10-2 Thursday before a relatively subdued crowd of 16,275 at Rexall Place.
Instead of cheering big bodychecks, the fans responded with a smattering of applause as they collectively waited for the Danish victim to (hopefully) climb to his feet. Instead of erupting for Canadian goals, the crowd cheered politely, with some people opting to stay in their seats (perhaps not wanting to rub things in.)
Photo: Bruce Edwards/Postmedia News
