Team Canada survive late Russian attacks, take 3 points

Although the Canadians always consist of a bright mix of players in European Leagues and the North American AHL the Maple Leafs remain a fan and tournament favourite. With Automobilist Yekaterinburg a new KHL team was invited tot he Spengler Cup. Oleg Gross, the GM of Yekaterinburg had sent a request to the organisers. He already had experience in his role as GM of Salavat Ulaev Ufa, the three time participant of the New Years Tournament in the Swiss Alps.

On the other side are the Canadians who last succesfully finished the tournament in 2012 during the lock-out season. They’re coached by Guy Boucher who was let go by Swiss NLA club SC Bern in November of this year.

The Canadians showed why they’re always a favourite as they had more puck possession and created better chances but couldn’t beat the Russian goaltender Igor Ustinsky on various occacations during the first period. As the period came to an end, Trevor Carrick’s slapshot was deflected off the shin pad of the Russian defender and beat Ustinsky in the top right corner with 3 thenth of a second left on the clock.

Early in the second period the Russians took a minor penalty but they denied the Canadians the set-up of their powerplay and so the two minutes passed by with Canada with the 1 goal lead. 8 minutes were played and Team Canada got a second chance for a powerplay when Kivistö played the puck over the glass but it was Alexander Torchenyuk on a break-away who beat Drew MacIntyre a first time shorthanded. The score didn’t stand too long though when Derek Roy passed the puck to Cory Conacher who netted the puck back hand top shelf in the 34th minute.

Team Canada had a two man adavantage early in the third period but couldn’t capitalize and just as the Russians had one player return, a minor penalty against Automobilist put Canada back to the two man powerplay. Yekaterinburg on the other hand did it’s best and neutralised the shots on Ustinsky. The rest oft he period the Russians tried to get the second goal but MacIntyre didn’t allow any further goals. Canada picks up 3 points and will rest tomorrow while Yekaterinburg faces the host, HC Davos.

Cory Conacher on the short accomodation period for Team Canada: "We had one pratice and one morning skate, i think we played pretty well. We have enough experienced players that played the game long enough so they’re able to help the younger players on the team."

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