We've been treated as Canada fans to the Bedard Show this entire tourney, and no doubt he will have a major impact on this game, but I am more interested who is going to be the player(s) and/or line to step up now and get the job done.
I think
@JackSlater mentioned it earlier, and I couldn't agree more, no score-line is going to blow me away tonight. Everything is on the table. I think both teams have shown flashes of brilliance in this tournament while also leaving some aspects of their game to be less than desired.
The clash of styles in this game is quite fascinating. I think the USA is going to be looking to utilize their mobile defenders, play a possession based style, and try to control the puck away from Canada as much as possible. On the flip side, we have seen flashes in the tournament for stretches of play, but I think this the game where Canada gets back to the recipe what has afforded them great success in these tournaments in the past. Fast tempo, toeing that line with the physical play, pucks in deep and working the cycle.
I've been critical of Shane Wright and his offensive game this tournament, especially last game against Slovakia which quite simply was his worst game. However, if he can turn a defensive effort against the Cooley line tonight where he takes away the USA's best offensive line, I think that would be just what the doctor ordered.
I look for Canada's depth, mainly players like Gaucher, Ostapchuk, etc. to be difference makers tonight. I think the depth can really shine through in a match-up like this and those guys are going to be vital establishing the right kind of play tonight for Canada.
Canada vs. USA is always a treat. Enjoy the game, boys and girls.
I can't wait.
