Canada vs. Sweden will face-off for Gold
We had two close games in the semi-finals with Canada and Sweden beating out their respective rivals to get to the Gold Medal game.
Each game was completely different. In Sweden vs. Finland, it was a much more laid-back, defensive, European game. In Canada vs. USA it was extremely up-tempo which each team trading chances.
In Saturday’s bronze medal game, Finland beat-up on the Americans 5-0. It did not look like the USA was all that interested in winning bronze after being shut-out by Canada on Friday. After not having Tuukka Rask available vs. Sweden because of the flu, Rask returned with a 26-save shutout vs. Team USA on Saturday.
Now to focus on the Gold Medal game. We will take a look at how both teams got to where the are.
Sweden (5-0)
Group C – Sweden 4-2 win over Czech Republic
Group C – Sweden 1-0 win over Switzerland
Group C – Sweden 5-3 win over Latvia
Quarterfinal – Sweden 5-0 win over Slovenia
Semifinal – Sweden 2-1 win over Finland
Canada (5-0)
Group B – Canada 3-1 win over Norway
Group B – Canada 6-0 win over Austria
Group B – Canada 2-1 OT win over Finland
Quarterfinal – Canada 2-1 win over Latvia
Semifinal – Canada 1-0 win over USA
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The goaltending matchup is expected to be Carey Price vs. Henrik Lundqvist. Each netminder has played very well in Sochi. Price is 4-0 with a 0.75 GAA , .963 SV% and one shutout while Lundqvist is 5-0 with a 1.20 GAA,.952 SV% and two shutouts.
Sweden has been led by defenseman Erik Karlsson, who has four goals and four assists (eight points) in five games, while Canada has had Drew Doughty (4G / 2A) lead the way from their blue line. Canada will attempt to work the puck in-deep and control the boards, much like they did vs. Team USA. Sweden will play defensively and try and trap Canada while forcing turnovers and scoring in transition. Canada has come this far without (arguably the world’s best player) Sidney Crosby not scoring a goal. Their third line of Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry and Jamie Benn has been excellent in their last two games. Mike Babcock will lean heavily on them to once again wear down the opposition’s defenseman while also contributing offensively.
Ultimately, Canada’s ability to roll four stronger lines and physicality and puck control below the goal-line should allow them to come-out with the Gold Medal. However, the goaltending should be strong on both ends and goals should be kept to a minimum. One bounce either way could decide who walks away champions.