WJC – Denmark vs Canada – Post Game Reaction

Talk about a blowout.

Tonight’s against Team Denmark was another easy contest for the Canadian squad, winning 10-2 in what was clearly a throw away game for this team, with the only positive being that it shows that this team has an offense to be afraid of. Something that might become a problem for this team is overconfidence, as they have not been tested thus far in the tournament, but will face the always dangerous Team USA Saturday night in the annual New Years Eve game. Canada will have to keep their head planted firmly on their shoulders and play smart hockey if they want to beat the Americans this weekend and move on to the medal round with all the momentum.

The offense came from many different sources, with D Brandon Gormley scoring two goals and D Scott Harrington adding a goal and four assists. Mark Stone, the offensive standout of this team so far in the tournament, added two goals of his own, as he continues his torrid pace. Also scoring for Team Canada were Quinton Howden, Brett Connolly, Ryan Strome, and Freddie Hamilton.

Denmark struggled to build any sort of offense during this game, only mustering two goals, coming from Nicolai Meyer and Emil Kristensen. Denmark was outshout 51-26 by the streaking Canadians.

In what continues to be a goalie controversy for the Canadian squad, Mark Visentin got the start tonight and was impressive when he needed to be. With the Americans as their next opponent, expect Scott Wedgewood to get the start against the more difficult opponent after his impressive shutout Wednesday against the Czech Republic.

Canada currently stands at 3-0-0 in the WJC and have already clinched their spot on the medal round. They will look to finish the preliminaries when they face Team USA Saturday night at 8:00 PM EST, which can be watched live on TSN, TSN Mobile, and TSN.ca.

WJC – Canada Shuts Out Czech Republic 5-0

After coming off an 8-1 win against Finland earlier this week, Team Canada continued to impress with a 5-0 win over the Czech Republic Wednesday night. Scott Wedgewood took over in goal for this game and was impressive, making 26 saves and earning the shutout on route to their second victory of the tournament. Mark Scheifele scored 2 goals in the third period, with Ryan Strome, Brett Connoly, and Mark Stone scoring the other tallies. It was a good game by the Canadians, as the game was not indicative of the score, with a tough Czech team forcing Canada to give it their all. In the end, it was Canada with the victory, and they look forward to their game tomorrow night against Denmark, where they could potentially clinch first place in Group B, even before they match-up with the Americans on Saturday night.

I’ve Got to say that Team Canada has impressed me thus far in the World Junior Championships. I was worried about this team coming into the tournament, not a lot of experience, very few returning players, questionable offense, but they are proving my doubts unwarranted, and are putting on a pretty good show so far. With games coming up against Denmark, and then the big game against the Americans on New Years Eve, the team is going to have to keep up the offensive pressure and put the peddle to the metal.

Mark Scheifele is showing that he has what it takes to be a superstar in the NHL someday. With 2 goals in the third period, Scheifele was a big part of Team Canada’s offense tonight, and I am sure the management team in Winnipeg were quite happy with what they were seeing. Scheifele easily could have played the whole year with the Jets in the NHL if GM Kevin Cheveldayoff has wanted him to, but having another year in junior, and the opportunity to play in this tournament will only help this young sniper develop into a more complete player.

There may be a goalie controversy with the Canadian team after this game. With Mark Visentin being the favorite for the #1 spot coming into this tournament, and after a very nice game for him against Finland a couple nights ago, Scott Wedgewood came into this game and showed everyone that he has what it takes to take this tournament to a gold medal if he is given an opportunity. With 2 more games before the preliminaries are over, it will be interesting to see which goalie steps up and claims the #1 job for the remainder of the tournament. But Canada isn’t looking that far ahead; with what should be a fairly easy game against Denmark tomorrow night, and then the big New Years Eve game against the Americans, Canada needs to take this one step at a time.

Upcoming Games : Thursday December 29th, 2011 – Canada vs Denmark – 8:00 pm, TSN

Saturday December 31st 2011 – USA vs Canada – 8:00 pm, TSN