His skating was good but his stickhandling and shot still don't look like they are on point. Marner was also taking a bunch of draws on that line which leads me to believe that Connor is hurt.
Interesting observation.
Connor also was passing off and looking for plays when he should have just been shooting.
Aside from a few bursts he still doesnt look like himself to me and if he is in fact injured then he shouldnt be there at all IMO.
On another note...I reluctantly watched the game last night (starved for hockey) and was pleasantly surprised by the very high level of intensity. Based on that game alone I am quite willing to retract my skepticism about this tourament especially if it replaces the crappy All Star stuff.
That was some compelling hockey and a clear step up from the NHL regular season.
I also agree with the posters that said it reminded them of the SCF.
What looks earily similar to me is the lack of space and time Canada had to set up in the offensive zone.
Very few uncontested shots in high danger areas for team Canada.
The US played that smothering system to a 'T' and unless the Canadian coaches can come up with a counter strategy...something to open up the ice... this tournamnet is a done deal IMO.
The US will win it.
The problem is...based on the lineup Team Canada has...I cant forsee a counter strategy to the style of play the US employs. This is not a heavy team and to ask this team (a skill team) to slog through sticks and bodies to create scoring chances is counter to their strengths. Especially once the US gets the lead.
We saw Team Canada players consistently over passing (to try and find some open ice) as a result.
Ultimately I dont think that Team Canada was built properly for this tournament.
The only chance I think they have is to cheat for offence and try to score off the rush.
Try and create odd man rushes. Once the US sets up then Canada produces very little in the way of chances.
All Helle has to do is be solid positionally and prevent/smother rebound chances.
He doesnt need to be spectacular.
I see the same thing with the Oilers...when the game gets played in the mud (so to speak...very few uncontested shots) this team is not a very good stylistic fit to produce against a system like that.
Its just not (functionally) heavy enough at all.
I sincerlely hope that Knoblauch and Bowman are going to school on this tournament because its a prelude of whats to come for this team in the back end of the playoffs.
