USA-Canada was already a must-watch event for hockey fans. Yesterday's start hooked non-fans, as the political environment that drove interest was exacerbated by the three fights in nine seconds to begin the contest. Add in the NBA skills competition, lack of NFL football, the fact it was. Saturday night and the vast disparity between All-Star events in general and the atmosphere at the Bell Center and it was a win-win for the NHL, evidenced by the ratngs (see below). Oh and by the way, the US clinched a berth in the championship game Thursday in Boston with a 3-1 win over Canada.
1) Fight night at the Bell Center: the Tkachuk brothers, Matthew and Brady, decided in a pre-game chat message that the gloves were coming off to start the contest. JT Miller wanted in on the fun, though he might have picked the worst opponent with which to dance. A crowd already loaded for bear, as seen by the intros and anthems, took it to 11 with their response. This was rock 'em, sock' em, put on the foil, 1970's style hockey. What made it more impressive is that these weren't stage fights, emotion poured out of each player involved in a brawl and on the ice. You couldn't have scripted a better way to draw eyeballs to the sport, Not that fighting is advocated in this manner, but given the stakes and the healthy dislike, oh baby, what a start. Plus this was just beginning as the first 10 minutes, and almost the whole period, were played at a level and speed that was off the charts.
2) Game action: Canada came out flying. The US stoned the power play created by the third fight but the Canadians had the pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Drew Doughty found Connor McDavid in stride through the neutral zone. Zack Werenski and Charlie mcAvoy were too wide and out of position, giving McDavid a clear lane. McDavid sped into the offensive zone and beat Connor Hellebuyck up high with a backhand to make it 1-0.
That was all Canada would get, as Helly came up big later in the first, making two huge point saves, including one on Thomas Harley. The US found their stride, evening the contest at one on a Jake Guentzel goal, one that Jordan Binnington would like to have back as he was beaten five hole from a bad angle.
The second period saw more measured play and less of the frenticism that made up the first period. Team USA D and forwards limited Canada's time and space, cracking down in the neutral zone. A Sidney Crosby turnover in the offensive zone resulted in a Matt Boldy springing Dylan Larkin down the right side. Larkin blasted the puck past Bnnington for what proved to be the game-winner.
Team USA turned the defense up a notch in the third, further limiting Canada's chances. If Canada had a good opportunity, Hellebuyck was up to the task. Guentzel's empty net tally made the final score 3-1, enabling the US to clinch a spot in the championship game.
Canada is without Shea Theodore, who was injured in the first game of the tourney, while Cale Makar missed the contest with an illness. Those two being out of the lineup is a huge loss for Canada, even though Travis Sachem and Harley stepped in nicely. The argument espoused that Canada sat Makar because they knew they could and likely would advance Monday is kind of disrespectful to the US and also Finland, but time will tell what happens.
3) Defense was the story. Physical play, joining the rush when needed, forcing Canada to regroup and go the length of the ice.But it was n't just the defense, it was a total team commitment. Sounds eerily like a John Tortorella team, oh wait, he is an assistant coach, look at that. It was a great win, but here is the fun part, if Canada beats Finland, the US will need to do it again and that will be the one that really counts.
Charlie McAvoy's hit on McDavid certainly was a tide turner. The check showed that McDavid wouldn't just be allowed to gain the zone with impunity. If he or anyone else was going to come into the offensive zone, a price would need to be paid.
Minutes played: Adam Fox and Zach Werenski with the least minutes. Jaccob Slavin and Brock Faber the most. Minutes were awarded with meritocracy, Slavin, Faber, McAvoy and Noah Hanifin all had solid games, with Slavin matching McDavid's speed and Hanifin showing a physical presence. Fox struggled with the speed of the game and size against him, raising some or further highlighting concerns for the future, while Werenski was limited by just one power play for the US.
4) Canada's streak ended:
- Canada’s 17-game win streak in best-on-best competition came to an end.
- This was the first time the USA beat Canada in a best-on-best game in 15 years, dating back to the round robin at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.
- Crosby’s 26 game win streak in best on best competition ended as well
Monday, if Canada or Finland win in regulation in Boston, they are off to the finals against the USA. If the game is decided in overtime or a shootout and Sweden defeats the US in regulation. Tre Kroner will meet the US again on Thursday in the finals. Sweden will know their fate before puck drop Monday.
5) Monday's lineup: Matthew Tkachuk, who missed the final 13:26 of the game with a lower-body injury, is not expected to play. Chris Kreider, the 13th forward, will see his first action. To add a little more intrigue, Kreider will face his best friend Mika Zibanejad, who has had a solid tournament and was one of Sweden's best players Saturday, scoring the team's first goal of the game.
What will be interesting to see is if Helly starts or coach Mike Sullivan gives Jeremy Swayman or Jake Oettinger a game. If Helly sits, that will be five days between starts, which might leave him rusty. But in a meaningless game, affording him rest might be the wisest course of action. The same on the blue line, as Jake Sanderson could be utilized with maybe Fox sitting?
6) Larry Brooks decided to add a little spice to the break, suggesting the Rangers deal Alexis Lafreniere for Trevor Zegras. You all know my affinity for Zegras and there is no question he would up the skill set for the Rangers. But suggesting to move on from another young forward, albeit one that has struggled after taking a step forward last week and a brilliant start to the 2024-25 campaign, helping drive his long-term extension, is kind of insanity.
Laf has certainly regressed since the early part of the season. Nothing has come out that he is dealing with a personal issue, so the only possible cause is Laf himself. Whatever the reason, his play, but even more important, his effort on the ice is certainly in question. The same, though, can and has been said about Zegras, who may be paving his way out of Anaheim, but he has been better lately.
I understand the view. But can we cut some slack to a young homegrown player and allow him to try and get out of whatever has caused his slump before we advocate dumping him?
New York Rangers Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»