WHAT A GRIND!
Gritty Team Canada plays ‘to its identity’ in advancing to the semifinal round
GANGNEUNG — That it took place in a half-empty building in a hockey-indifferent country halfway around the world couldn’t dull the significance of Canada’s latest big win in the slightest. That Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid and Steven Stamkos and the other greats were preparing for various NHL assignments didn’t matter either.
Not on a night when a hard-working group of their lesser-known compatriots did it the hard-nosed, Canadian way on Wednesday and earned a spot in the Olympic semifinals with a grinding 1-0 win over Finland.
Yes, after the quarter-final victory, prospects of an Olympic three-peat for a proud hockey nation are still alive and building in momentum.
For many of those wearing the classic Canadian red uniform with black trim for the high-stakes clash at the Gangneung Hockey Centre, it was the biggest game of their careers. And what a thrill it must have been for players that never even dreamed of being in the Olympics until the NHL backed out.
“It’s a great moment. I didn’t even hear the buzzer,” Canadian forward Chris Lee, 37, and with no NHL experience, said of his gritty team that has allowed just three goals in four games here.
“We were still battling in front of the net and slashing guys and trying to do whatever it takes to get the puck out.”
Weariness and relief gave way to bedlam as the clock hit triple zeros and Canadian players spilled on to the ice celebrating its biggest win yet.
After gradually seizing control following a frustrating first period in which they managed only four shots on goal, the Canadians got on the board just 55 seconds into the third when a bullet Maxime Noreau slapshot found the top left corner before Finnish goalie Mikko Koskinen could move.
And shortly after the contest ended, the road to gold got even smoother as Germany upset Sweden in another quarterfinal match. That means Canada will face the Germans in one semifinal on Friday, with the Olympic Athletes of Russia taking on the Czech Republic — which beat the United States, 3-2, in a shootout, in the other.
It was that kind of night for Canada, which in the words of captain Chris Kelly “played to its identity.”
The first period was a frustrating struggle as the Finnish trap confounded the Canadians, but they opened up the ice in the second, firing 18 shots and rerouting the momentum. A slick faceoff win by Eric O’Dell keyed the Moreau opportunity, and his laser shot was all Canada would need.
“It’s not going to be high-scoring games moving forward,” Kelly said. “For us to have success, we have to play good defensive hockey and we know that. We embrace that.
“That’s something we enjoy playing in those tight games. The smiles on the faces after a hard-fought 1-0 win … you could tell how good we felt.”
Though the Germans will provide a physical test, Cana- dian players were quietly pleased at avoiding the Swedes and facing a team that played overtime games in back-to-back nights.
As predicted, the tournament was wide open at the start and, with four teams remaining, Canada is resolutely in the hunt.
“We’ve played hard,” coach Willie Desjardins said. “I think that’s the way we expected to play. We know that’s the only way we can be successful.”
There was grit all over the ice for the Canadians, starting in net where Poulin came on in relief of injured starter Ben Scrivens 4:17 into the second period. Poulin was sharp, making 15 saves, including a handful in desperation time late in the game.
And in the final minutes, with the Finnish net empty, there were flying bodies and blocked shots all over the spacious Canadian defensive zone.
We had guys literally jumping in front of shots with their face,” forward Derek Roy said. “Just to be able to go and pay for a medal is a great feeling.”
Through its four games, Canada has yet to lose in regulation time and has done so by following the blueprint of general manager Sean Burke and the Hockey Canada brass.
This was never going to be a team rich in high-end skill and speed but rather one with a veteran presence and toughminded players throughout the lineup as its clear formula to win games.
“We’re finding our identity,” said Kelly, a Stanley Cup champion with the Boston Bruins and a veteran seasoned in elimination games.
“I think we’re a defensive-minded team that’s going to work hard and be in the right positions and hopefully create chances through good defence.