Canada made short work of Latvia with a 10-0 win. In such a situation, it is increasingly difficult to make a proper assessment of players. Nonetheless, here are five observations from this one-sided confrontation.
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Macklin Celibrini, a complete player
AFP
The Boston University forward had a five-point night. Although he has an interesting shot, it is his ability to read the game that is impressive. His relay run to Brayden Yager's goal and his placement of the puck after a loss of possession on Carson Rehkopf's goal are signs of an intelligent player. As was the cross relay thanks to Rehkopf, who managed to slip between the skates of two opponents. And we're talking about a 17-year-old player here.
Conor Geekie's offensive flair
The Manitoban showed he had quite the offensive talent. He opened the scoring with a quick wrist shot. On Canada's eighth goal, he confused defender Peteris Bulans and goalkeeper Aksels Ozols with two consecutive feints. Between his two goals, he missed several opportunities, including an open goal while standing at the goalmouth.
From five minutes to…zero
Czech referee Jiri Ondracek had a light arm at the start of the game. After giving Eriks Mateiko a questionable penalty, he called for a major penalty for Ty Nelson. After reviewing the sequence, officials concluded that the Canadian defender's gesture did not merit a penalty. Never seen it. Ondracek then took off his glasses. Oddly enough, things seemed to get better from that point on.
A disciplined team
Unlike the first game of the tournament, where they received a twelve-minute penalty, the Canadian players showed a lot of discipline. They received only three minor penalties. Canada's numerical inferiority coped well with its task. As did the formidable attack that scored two goals on five occasions.
Little evening for Rousseau
AFP
Traditionally, the easiest game of the tournament is reserved for the backup goalkeeper. This time that wasn't the case. In his second start in two days, Mathis Rousseau stopped 22 shots to record the shutout. He was rarely disturbed. Nevertheless, he was solid and precise in his movements.