Canada vs Europe Final
The stage is set. Canada will play Team Europe in the Final best of 3 series to close out the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. Both teams advanced out of Group A, Team Europe finishing 2nd to Canada, however both teams won their semi final matchups respectively. Canada played a hard fought game against a fast skating Russian side who led 2-1 midway through the 2nd period. However an explosive 3rd period saw the Canadians take a commanding 5-3 lead, and ultimately defeat the Russians on home ice to advance to the Finals. Two notable Canadians in the game were Brad Marchand, and Sidney Crosby who seem to have found a groove together with other line mate and fellow Boston Bruin Patrice Bergeron. The chemistry between Captain Sidney Crosby and Brad Marchand has raised speculation that Marchand could possibly sign with the Pittsburgh Penguins at the end of this season as he enters the final year under contract with the Bruins. From the Russian side, Alexander Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin were unnoticeable, and contained throughout the game, generating little to no offence. Their teammates Nikita Kucherov, and Ivan Telegin as well as goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky all showed impressive skill, helping the Russian side take the lead, and Bobrovsky helping control the Canadians until the 3rd period where obvious signs of fatigue were showing. The Canadians took a 5-3 win over the Russians to push them through to the finals on Tuesday.
Team Europe played against the gritty Swedish side today, in a hard fought game that needed Overtime to decide the final. Much alike the Canada, Russia semi final game, the game was a rollercoaster with each team leading at different points of the game. Neither team dominated the game at any point, as either side continued to battle hard throughout. The 3rd period saw Sweden trailing with just over 4 minutes remaining in the game, but a late period goal from star defenceman and Ottawa Senators captain Erik Karlsson levelled things up for the Swedes. As Overtime began, Jaroslav Halak was forced into making some stellar saves robbing the Swedes of the win, but at the other end, a lucky break for Team Europe, saw Tomas Tatar net his second goal of the game and send Team Europe to the finals where they will meet the Canadians. the Canadians were victorious over Team Europe in the first game they played against each other during the round robin. Team Europe lost their only game of the tournament 4-1 to the Canadians. They will play the Canadians in game 1 of the series on Tuesday as the World Cup of Hockey nears its close.
