Canadian keys to victory.
- Get pucks in deep, applying good pressure on the defence through the forecheck. A) Looking to break them down on the cycle B) Looking to create turnovers.
- Stay out of the box.
- Better execution on the PP then we seen against the Czech.. Going to have to make the most of the golden opportunites that present themself.
- Limit the amount of turnovers in the neutral zone.. If there is no play, dont try and force it, keep it simple and make the safe play.
- No getting trapped deep standing in, leading to odd man rushes. *cough cough, Seabrook* If not 100 % sure a play can be made, forget gambling.
- Limit their time and space with the puck at all times. Take away their plays to the middle of the ice in the offensive zone. If they want to beat you, force them to beat you down low, or along the boards by out battling you one on one.. As a Canadian fan, I'll take my chances when it comes to the one on one battles down low with the size of this defence. I'm not terribly concerned about the Canadian defence being unable to handle Russia's forecheck. However the Russians are quick, and if the Canadian defence attempts too much with the puck, rather then making the simple play, turnovers can be caused
Russia's best chance.
- Get good goaltending, keeping it tight. Hope to capitalize on pp oppotunites, which will not be easy with the way Canada can kill penalties. As well, hope to capitalize with their transition game, hoping to catch a few odd man rushes. Deadly if given time and space.
If both teams come out, and are at the top of their games, I'm going with a win Canada.