Canada over Slovakia: Just by a Hair of Their Chinny, Chin, Chin
Canada's Roberto Luongo's save
Written by: Larry “The Nucks IceMan” Johnson
Due to the time restraints of these Olympics, my following report is more in note form.
First period, the best player on the ice was the grinding, hard working Brendan Morrow. He had three scoring chances, scored on one. He was hard on the puck, went to the net, setup the screens and scored on a deflection from Chris Pronger.
You can see Canada’s game plan on Slovak’s goalie, Jaroslav Halak; he can’t stop what he can’t see.
Three minutes to go in the second period. A goal by the Slovaks would have changed the complexity of the game but when Ryan Getzlaf scored you knew we were going to play on Sunday for the gold.
Three to nothing with Roberto Luongo and this Canadian team was not going to be denied.
One of the biggest cheers of the night went to the Men’s short track skating gold. Canada is now Tied for most Gold’s at 9 (at the time), and the beat goes on as they enter into the last two days.
One of the difference makers for Canada in this tournament has been the mobility of their D.
As Getzlaf’s ankle has gotten better so has his play. Now that’s the player we know. Notice also how Getzlaf’s line-mate Corey Perry’s play has improved.
Little things that are making a difference: Face-offs; back checking; puck support: puck movement from the D; great tape to tape passes; down low coverage
After saying all of that Slovak scores two quick goals to make it 3-2. Slovak brings it to the Canadians sensing a tie and pinning them in their end, putting on an ice version of a full court press.
What action as Slovak pins Canada in their zone going for the tying goal. Somehow at the side of the net as the seconds are counting down, Pavol Demitra misses a golden opportunity as somehow Luongo gets a piece of the puck.
What a game!
Remember after the USA game, I said wouldn’t that be awesome if they met again for the Gold? Well here they go on Sunday.
Buckle up your chin straps.
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Filed under: 2010 Winter Olympics
