Team Canada is really the hunters and did not hunt against Team USA when they meet Saturday at 4 Nations Face-off in Montreal.
The odds makers have mainly called this a pick-European Championship game, but reality should be different after seeing how the clubs opened the tournament.
Canada blew a two-goal, third period leading and needed overtime to beat Sweden 4-3, a game where goalkeeper Jordan Binnington proved exactly why the biggest question mark about the squad that donated the Maple Leaf was between the pipes. Binnington was outstanding late in regulation and overtime, but also handed over a few stoppers when the result should have been in hand.
In the meantime, the United States was absolutely disassembled Finland in a 6-1 deal. When the Americans found some speed, they sliced the Finns worse than Gordon Ramsay into an onion (or an underling that penetrates the mushroom into the sauté boiler).
With the country’s consistent dominance under the best-to-best game-an incredible statistics is that Canada has won 26 straight matches with Sidney Crosby in the team it is difficult to invest against the big white north.
But make no mistakes, the United States is definitely the foremost runner at this event.
Sure, Canada has its abundance of offensive stars forward, covered with a couple of power play devices that would give goals for nightmares. Plus, with NHL judges who officiate, as opposed to … how do we say this? … Doubtful judges you see when IIHF gets your fingers into the pie, Canadians need not worry about the usual absurd penalties that seem to always torment international hockey.
That said, the United States has no lack of offensive talent in all areas, even without sublime defender Quinn Hughes due to injury. The Americans also have a more physical assortment, especially with Matthew and Brady Tkachuk who can beat someone on the ice and in the alley, as poor Team Finland found out first.
Basically, the United States has the ability to win all the playing styles that develop, whether it is a run-and-gun collision where teams deal with chances or a match-to-mattress.
And then we come to the biggest difference between the nations on the ice: goalkeeper. While the United States has the best Netminder in Connor Hellebuyck and there are no debates about which horse is the one to ride all the way to the final, the Canadians are already in a quiver. Coach Jon Cooper would not reveal on Friday which will be in goal: Binnington or Adin Hill.
Binnington’s game when it counted most against Sweden was admirable, but he did a little to disprove the doubters. No one would question to turn to Hill, who, just like Binnington, has reverse a team for the Stanley Cup. Still, it would also be understandable if Cooper gives Binnington start. Either way, the examination of the goalkeeper is lost to be intense.
Canada’s best chance of beating Americans will require success with special teams, which is possible if the Tkachuk brothers cross the line with their enthusiasm and provide plenty of opportunities for the Canadian power play to weave their magic.
Enjoy the meeting, especially since it is very likely that Saturday’s battle will be the first of a two -part series with a championship final on the road, with an upset.
