Whether you subscribe to a higher power or not, this seemed destined to happen. Canada, the reigning World Junior champions, will defend their title tonight against border rival the United States of America.
Canada outshot, out chanced and out willed a Russian squad led by hockey legend Igor Larianov. Punching their ticket to the gold medal game by virtue of a 5-0 clobbering. Alex Newhook, in his return to the lineup, set the tone within the games first minute by cutting to the slot and riffling a shot up and over Russia goaltender Yarolav Askarov.
Canada would go on to score two more first period goals and never looked back.
For the United States it was another workmanlike performance primarily spent defending their lead against a pesky Finland squad. Down 3-1 entering the final frame the red hot Kasper Simontaival cut the American lead to one. Finland was then awarded a late power play and cashed in the equalizer with just 3:43 remaining in regulation.
Los Angles Kings prospect Arthur Kaliyev found a soft spot in coverage and ripped home the game winner with just a hair over a minute remaining in regulation propelling the Americans to the gold medal game.
Tonight represents the fifth all-time meeting between these two countries in the WJC gold medal finale, surprisingly the United States hold a record of 3-1 in the prior four. Canada’s lone victory came all the way back in 1997, since then its been three straight victories in 2004, 2010 and 2017 for the United States.
Team Canada
Far and away the best team in the tournament, Canada is a perfect 6-0 and are yet to trail at any point of regulation. Putting it into perspective out of 360 minutes played Canada has held a lead for 339:18. Winning gold would make them the first undefeated champion since the United States in 2017.
Despite losing their captain and arguably best player, Kirby Dach to a gruesome injury in the tournaments exhibition game Canada never seemed to miss a beat. Every player on their roster has recorded at least a single point in the tournaments six games, while Dylan Cozens has led the way with 8-8-16. Other notable skaters to watch for are Quinton Byfield, Alex Newhook, Connor McMichael, Bowen Byram and Jamie Drysdale
Devon Levi the part time Northeastern Husky and fulltime brick wall has been Canada’s backbone. Playing in every game he’s recorded a mind-numbing 0.53 goals against average, a remarkable .975 save percentage and three shutouts. A seventh round selection of the Florida Panthers, Levi, largely was unknown by his teammates at Canada’s training camp. But has since turned himself into the talk of the tournament, he looks to cap off a near perfect tournament with a gold medal draped around his neck.
Team USA
Looking to avenge last tournaments disappointing quarterfinals loss to Finland, the Americans returned a far more balanced roster both offensively and defensively. Despite the Christmas day loss to the Russian’s the United States has looked every bit the well oiled machine they have been marketing themselves to be. Fueled by their dynamite power play, which has had to bail them out plenty this tournament, the adversity faced not only by their loss to Russia but in dramatic fashion against Finland makes them a very interesting opponent for a Canadian squad with a ton at stake.
Unlike their opposition this United States team finds comfort grinding out their opponent in close games. Cole Caufield and Trevor Zegras, both returning members of the 2020 squad, have developed a lethal chemistry especially on the man advantage. Zegras has been the man with the hot stick leading the way offensively with 6-10-16. Shooting to create offensive opportunities has become a specialty of the American forwards. Joining Zegras and Caufield are Matthew Boldy, Arthur Kaliyev and John Farinacci all of whom have over 20 shots this tournament. Team captain Cam York and fellow defenseman Josh Sanderson are also two players to keep an eye on.
Russia got the better of Spencer Knight on night one, but since returning to the net full time against the Czech Republic he has made it his mission to be nearly impossible to beat. Knight’s shine has largely been eclipsed by Devon Levi, but he is no slouch. A 1.99 goals against average and .922 save percentage are the types of numbers that keep you handsomely paid in the NHL.
Keys To The Game
-USA: Get the first goal
-USA: Get bodies in front of Devon Levi
-USA: Neutralize Dylan Cozens
-Canada: Get Spencer Knight moving side to side
-Canada: Stay out of the box
-Canada: keep it simple
Puck drop is scheduled for 9:30 on NHL Network and TSN.
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