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Joe Sakic (right) got Team Canada rolling in the first period.
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Canada rests, thinks
about road ahead
By Rich Libero | NHL.com
Feb. 16, 2006
TORINO, Italy -- Unlike 2002, when Canada played three games before heading into the quarterfinals, the 2006 Winter Olympics is a five-game, first-round format. The two extra games pose problems, but also advantages.
For the second game in a row, Canada made the most of the extra work, defeating a game German squad, 5-1, Thursday night at the Palasport. Canada seized control of the game early on first-period goals by Wade Redden, Joe Sakic and Simon Gagne.
"I think the game went sort of predictable for the Canadian team. They came out and really established themselves," said German coach and former NHLer Uwe Krupp. "Our team got very excited in the first period. We have the youngest team in the tournament and they want to play against Canada and against the best. When we have a 2-on-1, they want to make it at 3-on-1 and a 4-on-1."
Such was the case less than five minutes into the game when Lasse Kopitz ended up with the puck on his stick and Canadian goaltender Robert Luongo seemingly down and out at the right side of his cage. Kopitz shot quickly but defenseman Adam Foote dropped to the ice and saved what looked like a sure goal.
"I got a little lucky," Foote said. "It bobbled. I was just lucky to get down and block it."
But wait, there's more? Luck, that is. The puck ended up in Canadian hands with several Germans trapped deep and it all led to Gagne setting up Redden for a wrist shot from the top of the left circle and Canada's opening goal.
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Krupp calmed his troops between periods and they played a steadier game in the second period.
"I think we were a little nervous and he calmed us down a little bit," said defenseman Sascha Goc.
San Jose's Christian Ehrhoff got Germany on the board in the second period with a shot from mid-slot but Dany Heatley used his hand-to-eye coordination to give Canada a cushion just six minutes later.
Foote unleashed a rocket of a slapshot from the point. It sailed over the German net, hit the glass and rebounded straight back over the goal where Heatley was waiting. He swing his stick at shoulder height and batted the puck into the net.
"Heatley's goal gave us a cushion. I'd put it in the lucky category," coach Pat Quinn said. "But great hand-eye coordination."
Shane Doan closed out the scoring with 34 seconds to play when he walked out from behind the net and slipped a high shot short side on 19-year-old goaltender Thomas Greiss.
"I think their young goaltender was terrific," Quinn said.
Olaf Kolzig started for Germany against the Czech Republic on Wednesday, but Germany didn't want to play him in the next span that could feature four games in five nights. Plus, the Germans viewed their upcoming games with Italy, Switzerland and Finland as key to reaching the quarterfinals.
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Thomas Greiss played well for Team Germany, especially during a 5-on-3 shorthanded situation in the second period.
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Greiss stopped 35 of 40 shots and kept Canada at bay during a 5-on-3 in the second period. In fact, Germany had killed off both penalties, but faced a defensive-zone draw just a few seconds after getting back to 5-on-5. The Heatley goal came of that faceoff, staunching any good feelings the penalty kill had mustered.
"We had a three-goal lead (on Germany at the 2002 Salt Lake Games) and the score ended, 3-2," said Canadian captain Joe Sakic. "Tonight, when we got that fourth one that was huge. We got the early lead, but the fourth goal was important."
The Germans have now faced Canada and the Czech Republic and acquitted themselves quite well. They are getting ready for their next mission while Canada is preparing for the toughest part of their test.
Canada will play Switzerland on Saturday followed by Finland on Sunday and the Czech Republic on Tuesday. The Germans will play the Italians on Saturday, the Swiss on Sunday and Finland on Tuesday.
"No disrespect to the Italians and Germans, but it's going to get harder the rest of the way," said Tampa Bay's Brad Richards. "We knew this was going to be a tough game. We're not going to just take off and pretend that it's a practice, we want to win every game."
The Canadians have used their first two games to try different things, get their legs under them and reacquaint themselves with new linemates. There are also a few new faces like defenseman Bryan McCabe.
But despite Canada's domination in both games, Quinn says they have a way to go before he feels comfortable.
"When I say 'team' we've got a margin to go," Quinn said. "We're good individuals right now, but we've got a way to go before we become a team."
San Jose's Joe Thornton agreed with his coach: "I think we need to improve everywhere. Our goaltending, our defense and our offense in order to make it to the next stage, but we will do that."
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