After two rather easy games, Canada faced its first real challenge. In front of Sweden, it was about nothing more and nothing less than first place in Group A. After a 2-0 defeat, Alan Letang's team was brought back down to earth. She understood that she needed to refine some aspects of her game if she wanted to finish this competition on the top step of the podium. With a similar opponent, we understand that having too many players with a similar profile defending the same colors doesn't necessarily make the cake rise easily.
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Here are five observations from this clash between Canada and Sweden.
Intensive pre-inspection
Canada's pressure gave the Swedes a headache in the first third. Alan Letang's troops managed to deprive the Swedish rear of time and space by winning battles along the ramps. Then the situation changed when the tournament organizers opened the scoring. From then on we sensed that the Canadian players were becoming hesitant. The Swedes took the opportunity to cause confusion in the Maple Leaf's defense.
Too many sales
In a panic, the Canadians lost their structure. They tried to rush out of the zone, which resulted in several turnovers. Furthermore, the Swedes took advantage of this opportunity to score their first two goals. The first was the result of plays at the end of the paddle by Jorian Donovan and Matthew Poitras near the fence. The second came after Nate Danielson attempted to leave the zone with virtually no chance of success.
Three escape attempts, no goals
The course and result of the game could have been completely different if Canada had taken advantage of the few opportunities that presented themselves. Easton Cowan, Carson Rehkopf and Matthew Savoie all beat Hugo Havelid. The three returned to the bench empty-handed.
Always perfect
In addition, Sweden has still not conceded a goal after three games. Against Canada, Hugo Havelid blocked all 21 shots aimed at him. The Swede did well, but it has to be said that his rivals made life pretty easy for him. Very little traffic in front of the network, no one taking returns. And Havelid's brilliance caused Canada's attackers to hesitate a few times.
Customs officer Rousseau
Mathis Rousseau gave in twice, but he didn't let his performance embarrass him. The Halifax Mooseheads goalkeeper has some gems in store for his opponents. His save with the top of the right block at the expense of Liam Ohgren during a numerical disadvantage even impressed Henrik Lundqvist, an attentive spectator. He also kept his team in the game by frustrating Fabian Wagner while Canada played with a man advantage.