John Tavares
Canada followed up its disappointing loss to Sweden with a 4-1 victory over Denmark. Oshawa Generals’ forward John Tavares set the offensive tone with a goal and an assist and goaltender Steve Mason made 15 saves for the victory.
Prior to the game, head coach Craig Harstburg promoted Tavares to the second line, in an effort to generate more offense. During Canada’s exhibition games, Tavares had been used mainly as a power play specialist. But with mounting pressure to find consistent scoring, Hartsburg finally placed Tavares on a regular line.
The move paid off early and it was clear from this game that, aside from possibly Kyle Turris, Tavares has been the most consistent offensive force for Canada.
"Johnny has stepped up in every game and he’s gotten better and better," said Hartsburg. "He’s worked his butt off."
Related Info
- Sweden downs Czechs, earns first place
- Tournament Schedule/Results
- Group Standings
- VOD: Canada vs. Denmark
- Highlights: Canada 4, Denmark 1
- 1-on-1 with Craig Hartsburg
- Canada/Denmark Wrap-up
Hartsburg applauded his team’s effort, particularly under the difficult circumstances.
"[The game] doesn’t mean a whole lot in terms of standings," Hartsburg said. "Our kids are used to playing in tough leagues, where every night they are playing for points. It’s a different focus."
Despite the win, it was hardly the offensive outburst Hartsburg had been hoping for. Despite taking 43 shots on Danish goaltender Christian Moeller, Canada managed to score just four goals. Canada has scored just 12 goals in its four games in the tournament so far.
"We had tons of chances, but we just didn’t bury them," Tavares told TSN following the game.
As it has throughout the tournament, Canada relied largely on its power play for offense. Canada’s first goal came with the man advantage on a first period goal from Shawn Matthias, who potted a rebound off a point shot from Josh Godfrey.
Penalties have been a serious issue for the Danish team; they came into the game as the most penalized team in the tournament. Not surprisingly, penalties played a major role in the game with Canada today as well. Denmark took nine penalties in the game, allowing two power play goals.
Canada had a strong second period, getting a goal from Phoenix Coyote-draft pick Kyle Turris and peppering Danish goaltender Christian Moeller with 18 shots. Moeller made a number of key saves to keep the score close. Tavares nearly had his second of the game during a Canada power play, but Moeller made a gorgeous glove save that left the native of Mississauga, Ontario looking skyward in disbelief.
Turris scored his second goal of the game on a power play in the third period, with Tavares providing the assist. Turris is Canada’s leading scorer, and eighth overall in the tournament, with four goals and one assist.
The Danes scored their only goal of the game in the third period. With Stefan Legion and Matt Halischuk both in the penalty box, Mikkel Bodker, who plays for the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL, scored on a rebound – the first goal Mason has given up all tournament.
With Sweden’s victory earlier in the day over the Czech Republic, the Swedes were able to clinch first place in Group A and earn a quarter-final bye. It was the first time since 2002 that Canada had not won its group. Canada will play Finland in the quarter-finals on Wednesday at 9:30am et/6:30am pt.
The winner of the Canada/Finland match up will take on the powerful United States, setting up a potential rematch of last year’s semi-final thriller between Canada and the Americans. Canada won that game thanks to three shootout goals from Jonathan Toews.
The U.S. closed out the preliminary round with a 5-3 victory over Finland, powered in large part by three goals and one assist from Boston University forward Colin Wilson.
The team sounded confident following the game.
"We’re going to win the gold medal," Tavares told the Canadian Press. "We’re going to play hard and do whatever it takes and trust me, we want to win."
"This is when the cream really rises to the top," added Stefan Legein. "This is when Canadian hockey really shines, in games that matter."
Canada beat Finland 4-2 in an exhibition game before the tournament. But don’t think Canada will be looking past the Finns.
"[Finland is] a hard working team," Colton Gillies said following the game. "We will have to come out and match their work ethic."
"They play a North American type of game, they check and they are hard on the puck," added Hartsburg. "It’s going to be a tough game."
Hartsburg wouldn’t say whether it would be Mason or Jonathan Bernier in net against Finland. But a decision will be made tonight.
"We got two great kids and two great goaltenders and we can’t go wrong with whomever we pick."
Source: Canada beats Denmark; face Finland next
