The Marchand Incident

Sure it was bound to happen sooner or later, and sure, the Canadian Juniors can't win EVERY game—but, and I mean BUT:

Should Marchand be benched, or at least 5th-lined for his errors at games end against the Swedes?

Think I'm being harsh? 

Well let's review: Canada ties the game with seconds left. Marchand loses control of the puck, and instead of shooting it into the corner, decides to try and fancy step his way back into control and into the zone, which results in Sweden breaking out with a 2-on-2. 

Yes, I know mistakes happen and that nobody's perfect. However, Marchand decides there is no need to back check hard and lets his defensive responsibility walk in all alone. One defensive break down, Forsberg receives a pass, all alone, without Marchand covering him, and scores in the yawning cage!

Am I being too hard on this poor youngster?  I think not.

Okay, you make a mistake and cough up the puck—fine it happens, but why on earth wouldn't you skate your...you know what...off and chase down the puck and help out the defense? 

This may have been needed to help this group realise that they are mortal, but I hope Marchand plays the rest of the tourny as if his life depends on it—and mistake free to redeem himself with me, his teamates, his future, and his nation!

We as Canadians take our hockey very seriously, and are proud of the fact that we are dominant within the hockey world—and though it is a tall order, we expect gold time after time. 

No we won't blackball this team if they come away with less than gold—we just expect gold. 

Yes, we love our hockey and we love our juniors. Yes, we can talk about what mistakes were made and what should have been done, but we still cheer on our boys faithfully and wish them all the best as they re-group and go for gold!

Go get 'em boys!