Canada taking Europe seriously in World Cup of Hockey final

When memories of the old days of Team Canada-Europe of hockey "rivalry", you must go back to your memory all the way back ... last Wednesday.

This is the only time the finalists for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, which begins at Toronto's Air Canada Centre on Tuesday night (CBC, CBCSports.ca, CBC Sports app, 7:30 p.m. ET), met in the competition, Canada won the game easily 4-1.

How to watch the World Cup final hockey on CBC Sports
For evidence, Canada clashes with Team Europe does not have the rich history of Canada-United States, Canada, Russia or even Canada, Finland, the last fighters in World Cup hockey final in 2004. But there is no shortage of storylines.

"The hype can not be the same, but this is a final series," said Canadian forward Brad Marchand, who was euphoric after Monday signed eight years, $ 49 million US contract extension with the Bruins Boston. Équipe Canada chandail de hockey.

Marchand was tied for the lead of the tournament in goals scored with Sidney Crosby and Jonathan Toews teammates with three in four games.


Crosby, Patrice Bergeron and Marchand skated together in Nova Scotia to become accustomed to each other and to prepare for this tournament, and they were dominant. But Marchand reminded reporters gathered around him after practice Monday that Team Europe has a strong middle with Anze Kopitar, Frans Nielsen and leon draisaitl, and a strong guard in Jaroslav Halak.

Halak, meanwhile, has the opportunity to go against the price. The two were teammates with the Montreal Canadiens for two full seasons, and it was Halak which eclipsed Price 2010 spring playing so well to help the Habs stun Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals in the first round of the playoffs and defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins in the second round.

But the Canadians had to make a choice that off season and management has made the right decision to trade Halak to the St. Louis Blues.

"I'm still young enough, early in my career to that point in my life. I just sort of grew up a little, "said the 29-year-old Price, asked about his days as a teammate of Halak.

Price has certainly thrived in a Team Canada jersey. It is now 14-0-0 combined in the World Junior tournament (6-0), the 2014 Olympic Games (5-0) and in this case (3-0).

overwhelming favorites

But then again, few things have gone wrong for Canadians in these top best-on-tournaments. They have a 14-game win streak dating back to their exit from the final group stage at the 2010 Olympic Games, a loss to the United States 5-3. Crosby won 23 in a row, if you include the nine games he adapted for his effort in gold in the world championship IIHF 2015.

If Europe stunned the hockey world and win this thing, it will be the second coming of the Miracle on Ice. Canada is listed as 1/10 favorite by bookmaker Bodog online, which means you would have to bet $ 10 to win $ 1. And now, Europe will be without one of its best players, Marian Gaborik, who was eliminated from the tournament with a sore right foot.

But Canadian head coach Mike Babcock will not let his players take their opponents lightly. He has great respect for Team Europe head coach Ralph Krueger. The two met in the 2004 World Championship when Babcock led Canada to gold and the Winnipeg-born Krueger was the head of Switzerland.

They became friends. They share a passion for hockey in winter and water skiing in the summer. When the Edmonton Oilers foolishly Krueger fired after the 2013 season shortcut lockout, Babcock handed his friend 12 hours later and attracted Canadian personnel for the 2014 Olympic Games.

They won the gold with Crosby, price and Co. in Sochi. Now, without Krueger, Canada will continue to roll, even without the accumulation of a longstanding rivalry.

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