2010 Winter Olympics: Canada vs. Germany Highlights and Analysis

Canada came into their match against the Germans as heavy favorites. That said, make no mistake about it, given the importance of this game, Canada would not take this German squad lightly, especially when it’s do or die form here on out in the tournament.

In light of Martin Brodeur’s sub-par performance against the United States on Sunday night, Canada decided to go with Roberto Luongo between the pipes. On the surface, it would appear as if the Canadian coaching staff was making the right decision, but only time would tell.

A win against the Germans would all but solidify Luongo as Canada’s No. 1 goalie from this point forward. Not known for strong efforts in big games, Luongo now has the chance he has desired all his life—to be in the spotlight for Team Canada, to be the go-to guy on the big stage that is the Olympics.

Key players to watch tonight include defenseman Chris Pronger, who has struggled mightily, forward Joe Thornton, who has been invisible thus far, Sidney Crosby, who undoubtedly will raise his level of play going forward, and Jarome Iginla, who has been one of Canada’s more consistent players thus far.

For the Germans to be successful they will have to get a monumental effort from the likes of San Jose Sharks goaltender Thomas Greiss, who has been decent but not dominant thus far, and a great effort form forwards Marco Strum (Winter Classic hero for Boston) and Marcel Goc and defenseman Dennis Seidenberg, all of whom are capable of playing an inspired game.

Canada’s defensive core has yet to score a goal, something that must change in order for Canada to be successful—maybe not tonight, but if Canada intends on getting to the medals, it’s a must.

It’s gut-check time for Canada; there is no tomorrow. If Canada can beat the Germans they will be “rewarded” with a game against Alex Ovechkin and the rest of the Russian squad. Lose and Canada will forever be labeled as the biggest Canadian disappointment in Olympic history...Let the game begin...

Highlights and Analysis:

With the weight of the entire nation on their collective backs, Team Canada started the first period off in familiar fashion—slow.

That said, unlike earlier games, Canada made a concerted effort to get pucks at the net, being less selective about where they shot the puck from and more concerned about quantity.

German defenseman Christopher Schmidt took a high-sticking penalty at 14:31 of the first, giving Canada it’s first chance on the power play. Patrick Marleau, Dany Heatley, Joe Thornton, Dan Boyle, and Shea Weber were the first group of forwards sent over the boards—an effective unit that produced a few great chances, but were unable to capitalize.

At 10:13 of the first period, Canada got its first goal from an unfamiliar source, perennial underachiever and San Jose Sharks whipping-boy “Jumbo” Joe Thornton. The goal was assisted by teammate Dany Heatley and Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith, who quite possibly shot the puck wide of the net on purpose, which confused Thomas Greiss.

Canada outshot Germany 14-4 in the first period, something opponents have become accustomed to. Once again, despite Canada’s strong start, they struggled to put the puck in the back of the net, quieting the crowd and leaving many fans wanting more.

The second period started exactly where it left off, with Canada taking it to the German squad. Shea Weber shot the puck at the German net. It went right through the meshing, unnoticed by the crowd and referee.

Amidst suspicion that the Weber shot went into the net, the refs reviewed the play and found that indeed, Weber’s shot eluded Griess. 2-0 Canada.

Canada mounted another offensive threat upon Germany shortly thereafter, which resulted in the German’s taking another penalty, this time against Dennis Seidenberg for slashing.

Canada capitalized on the ensuing power play when jarome Iginla deposited the puck past Griess from the side of the net—his fourth goal of the tournament. And just like that, Canada had scored goals a minute and nine seconds apart. 3-0 Canada.

Canada took its first penalty of the contest when Dany Heatley took a cross-checking penalty at 15:45 of the second period.

Germany was able to apply some pressure on Canada throughout their power play, including a nice chance at the side of the net that Luongo had to be sharp on. In the end, Canada kept the German’s off the scoreboard, but then Canada took another penalty seconds after the first power play ended—this time veteran defenseman Scott Niedermayer for tripping.

Luongo took a puck off the mask on the ensuing power play and was not happy that there wasn’t a stoppage-of-play call from the ref. Luongo stood tall and made a few good saves, keeping the German’s at bay and off the scoreboard.

Just when things started to go the German’s way—getting two quick power play opportunities and establishing some pressure on Canada—Jarome Iginla scored his second of the game, a beautiful goal in which he deposited the puck into the German net with authority. 4-0 Canada.

Do you think Canada will keep the Crosby—Iginla—Staal line in tact now??? Mike Babcock better. I was shocked when he broke them up during the Swiss game, especially when you consider Iginla had three goals against Norway. I digress...

With the German Team on it’s heals, Rick Nash flew past the German defense all alone, only to be taken down by Alexander Sulzer. Canada was rewarded with a penalty shot for Nash’s efforts, a shot that was taken and subsequently missed by Sidney Crosby—a curious choice considering Nash earned the shot based on his effort and play.

The German’s would finally solve Luongo when, with Canada scrambling in their own zone, Marcel Goc scored for Germany, beating Luongo on a wraparound. It was now 4-1, with Canada still very much in control of the game.

When everything was said and done, this was Canada’s best period of the Olympics—finally a dominant effort, which resulted in three goals and plenty of offensive pressure from what was coined a “tentative” Canadian offense coming into this game.

Canada stormed out of the gates in the third period, immediately establishing pressure down low in the German zone, resulting in a goal from Sidney Crosby off the pass from Eric Staal, who had three assists on the night thus far. Duncan Keith also assisted on the play, as he quietly had his best game of the Olympics.

Crosby—Iginla—Staal line strikes again!!! 5-1 Canada. Game, set, match...

Philadelphia Flyers forward Mike Richards—who had spent most of the game on Canada’s checking line—scored Canada’s sixth goal, assisted by Dallas Stars forward Brendan Morrow and Chicago Blackhawks sophomore Jonathan Toews. 6-1 Canada!

Scott Niedermayer, who has been criticized for being too old and too slow, broke away from the German forwards on his own and deposited the puck through the five-hole and he made it look easy. He may be 36-years-old, but he still has some pop left in his stick. 7-1 Canada!

Rick Nash added an eighth goal for Canada when he snapped a wrist shot past Greiss on the short side for his first goal of the Olympics. And with that, Canada had everyone firing on all cylinders, seemingly ready to take on the rest of the world on their way to a chance at a gold medal.

The Germans would add a late goal when Germany’s Manuel Klinge beat Luongo off a rebound from a breakaway attempt. In the end, the goal amounted to filler, as Canada held on to win by a final score of 8-2.

With only a few minutes left in the game the pro-Canadian crowd boisterously chanted “We want Russia”...and it will be Russia that Canada gets—a game that will surely capture the imaginations of every hockey fan from coast-to-coast.

What's next for Canada?

Tonight’s victory was a good confidence booster for Canada and, given the chemistry the Crosby—Iginla—Stall line had, it looks as if Canada has established it’s No. 1 line going forward.

Canada’s defensive core came up large, scoring two goals on the evening, one from Weber, the other by Niedermayer. They may not have been the biggest goals, but they will help Canada establish some flow and confidence going forward.

The only low point for the Canadian squad was the sub-par performance from veteran defenseman Chris Pronger, who struggled once again and spent much of the game on the bench because of it.

Canada will now face Russia on Wednesday night at 7:30 EST. This is the game everyone with a heartbeat wants to see—especially those Canadians who remember the great battle of 1972 between these two great hockey powers.

Canada-Russia will feature Canada’s Sidney Crosby and Russia’s Alex Ovechkin (arguably the two best players on the planet) going head-to-head, with a trip to the medal rounds at stake.

Canada has a long way to go in making their gold medal hopes come true. At this point, they are alive, which is more than many thought 48 hours ago...

Until next time,

Peace!

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