Canada vs. Sweden Gold-Medal Game: Examining Impact, Legacy of Canada's Win

Not even Sweden could put up a fight against Canada in the 2014 Sochi Olympics, as the team from north of the border absolutely dominated in their 3-0 win in the gold-medal game.

Canada was relentless right from the start. 

Jonathan Toews scored just over seven minutes into the game, and Canada continued to control the puck from there. Similarly to the United States, Sweden couldn't really get anything going against Canada.

Captain Sidney Crosby scored on a breakaway in the second period, and Chris Kunitz scored in the third period to really put the game away.

Goaltender Carey Price was stellar yet again, saving all 24 shots and earning the shutout. He went 5-0 in Sochi, and Canada went undefeated in the process. They joined elite company in doing so, via ESPN Stats & Info's Twitter feed:

To say they were dominant might be an understatement, however. Just take a look at this note from Brian Stubits of CBSSports.com: 

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From start to finish in Sochi, Canada never trailed for one minute of action, dominating opponents from round-robin play on. However Canada took it to an even higher level in the last two games, shutting out the USA 1-0 in the semifinals and then finishing Sweden with the 3-0 win. In six games total in Sochi, Canada gave up three goals.

"

Yeah, they were more than dominant. Legendary, even.

Canada has been a force in the Olympics over the past several installments of the Winter Games. The team won the gold in 2010 (Vancouver) and 2002 (Salt Lake City). Sweden won in 2006 (Torino). This medal, however, trumps that of their previous ones of the new millennium.

Of course, the 2010 Games might have been more exciting.

Had it not been for Sidney Crosby's heroics in overtime, Team USA may have stolen the gold from them. The goal was one of the most memorable goals in recent Olympic history, and that will make the 2010 Games not easily forgotten.

That being said, not even that goal (or gold) can hold a candle to this one.

What It Means for 2018

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

The status of NHL players in the Olympics moving forward is up in the air.

Jeff Z. Klein and Stu Hackel of The New York Times provide a brief summary of how it might go down:

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[Gary] Bettman said a decision on further Olympic participation could be made within six months. No matter how much the Winter Games raise the sport’s visibility in the United States, the league’s owners will weigh that against their business and competitive interests.

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Wayne Gretzky told Hockey Night in Canada radio that, as a player, he would vote to go (via NESN.com):

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So if I had a vote, I would vote to go because I love the Olympic Games and I think there’s no bigger honor, there’s no bigger thrill than representing your country and being part of Team Canada. It’s something you can’t even describe how special of a feeling it is to know that you get to put that red and white jersey on.

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While it remains to be seen the decision that will be reached, it's obvious that it has major implications of the future of ice hockey in the Olympics. While nearly all countries' teams will lose out on some talent, Canada's potential losses are great.

Crosby, Price, Jeff Carter and others won't be at Canada's disposal. That will seriously alter their dominance.

For now, Canada stands at the top of the international hockey charts. It will be interesting to see if they can retain their dominance if the NHL players are taken away, though.

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