Team Canada never strayed from their business-like approach to defeat team Sweden and repeat as men’s Olympic hockey champions in Sochi Russia. Canada became the first team in over 20 years to win back-to-back Olympic hockey gold medals, beating Sweden 3-0 in the tournament finale at the Bolshoy Ice Dome. With the win, Canada also became the first two-time gold medalist since NHLers began participating in the Olympics at Nagano ’98.
Jonathan Toews, Sidney Crosby and Chris Kunitz scored the Canadian goals — the first of the tournament for each — while Carey Price was fantastic once again, stopping all 24 shots faced for his second consecutive shutout. With the win, Price finished the Sochi games boasting a 971. Save percentage, allowing just three goals the entire tournament.
I can honestly say, I cannot recall a team of All-Stars like team Canada featured coming together and playing a team game quite as solid as these boys did. This team played the tournament to perfection, especially in the knockout rounds. Shutting out the Americans then, the Swedes with everything on the line. Maybe, these games weren’t as dramatic as Vancouver, but nobody can argue with the effectiveness of the game plan now. Every Canadian has to be proud of the way this team came together to dominate the sport that bonds us as a nation on the world stage.
Team Sweden was missing some major components of the lineup; Nicklas Backstrom was ruled after reportedly testing positive for a banned substance — already down the services of centers Henrik Zetterberg and Henrik Sedin, Sweden lacked major depth down the middle.
Having said this, I’m not sure anyone could have stood in the way of team Canada on this day. It was a hockey game played to perfection. I did not even have to hold my breath.
Both, the men’s and women’s hockey teams proved hockey is indeed Canada’s game.
Thank you for inspiring a nation!
Repeat Olympic hockey champions, baby!
Originally posted on hockeyfanland.com
I live in Edmonton Alberta Canada, where hockey is everything! I’ve loved the game of hockey since I was old enough to understand it! I’m handicapped with cerebral palsy, so I cannot play hockey, but I’m extremely passionate about every aspect of the game. Some were born to the players I was born to be a fan. I am the owner of: hockeyfanland.com and proud to be a contributor here at Inside Edge Hockey News