Canada did not excel either, but I would not single out Bykov as the better coach based on what we saw in this game: both teams were below par
This is true.
It was actually a pretty forgettable game, aside from the fact that Russia came back in the 3rd, which makes it quite dramatic and exciting from a Russian perspective.
Although, the double minor, the crossbar goal that wasn't, and the pucks hitting people's faces were certainly unusual.
The first period was probably the best period, even though no one scored.
Someguy said:
It's pretty obvious that the Canadian players don't give it their all in this tournament. Wether it's the coaches fault or the players that simply don't care is hard to say. I'm leaning more towards the players don't care. Which makes it hard for the fans to.
It's hard to say.
They certainly had periods of pressure.
I have the feeling that Hitchcock had them on a tight leash and that it made them nervous.
It's the coach's job to motivate the players.