Canada vs. Russia in the quarter finals

The winner between Canada and Sweden would win the group, the question before the game was if the teams wanted to win as the winner would play Russia in the quarter finals. And even if Russia has had a quite poor tournament so far they are still one of the main contenders for the tidle.

At the beginning of the game it seemed like Canada wanted to win more than Sweden. Cal Clutterbuck hit the crossbar already after 30 seconds and 38 seconds later James Neal got a breakaway and beat Erik Ersberg who had an unlucky start in his first game since the lost against Norway in the opening game. Sweden however found their way into the game again when they were given a power play and David Petrasek picked up the rebound from a hard shot by Carl Gunnarsson.

The period continued to be open with chances on both ends. The next goal was Canada's. Sweden was very upset with the goal as the believed that Erik Ersberg had blocked the puck but John Tavares' goal was allowed.

The second period saw many defensive mistakes that gave scoring opportunities. Sweden tied the game when Mattias Tedenby scored on a power play. Tedenby stood in a position behind the goal line and his shot bounced of the Canadian goalie Jonathan Bernier in into the net. Soon after the goal Canada had a shot in the bar, but Tedenby's goal was the only of the period.

After Canada have being the somewhat better team in the first two periods Sweden felt like the better team at the start of the third but the further the period went Sweden lost some of their speed and energy and Brent Burns gave Canada the lead, Rick Nash made a good work in front of goal so Erik Ersberg didn't see the puck before it was too late. Sweden were never close to tie the game again and ended the game with a couple of penalties.

It felt like Canada wanted to win more than Sweden and also won the game 3-2 and will play Russia in the quarter final while Sweden will play Germany.

 

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