Just as they did in their loss to the U.S., the Canadians poured on the shots, outshooting the Germans 39-23. But this time they converted their chances, often with ease. Canada looked much more determined, playing with a passionate, physical effort.
The home nation also finally took advantage of its lethal blue line: The Canadian defense accounted for seven points and dominated the neutral zone with an amazing transition game. Norris Trophy candidate Duncan Keith led with way with two helpers, while Drew Doughty (assist), Scott Niedermayer (goal), Chris Pronger (assist), Dan Boyle (assist) and Shea Weber — who literally shot the puck through the Germany net for a goal — all registered single points.
Up front, Canada was led by its newly formed top line of Eric Staal (three assists), Sidney Crosby (goal) and Jarome Iginla (two goals) and got a splendid defensive performance from its fourth line of Mike Richards (goal and assist), Jonathan Toews (assist) and Brenden Morrow (assist). Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron saw limited ice time and was mostly used for faceoffs and on the penalty kill, but he was solid when called upon. Former Bruins captain and current San Jose Shark Joe Thornton finally made his presence felt, knocking home the first Canadian goal.
Sturm and the Germans looked completely outclassed, despite getting 23 shots on Canadian starter Roberto Luongo and beating him twice. Luongo, who replaced Martin Brodeur after a sub-par performance from the Devils legend on Sunday, really wasn't pressured much but came up with the big saves when needed.
Canada was 1-for-3 on the power play and will really need to be better on the man advantage Thursday against the potentially high-scoring Russian offense. Their penalty kill killed off all three German power plays and will need to be perfect again Wednesday. More importantly, though, Canada will need to keep Russia off the power play, because with offensive weapons like Alexander Ovechkin (four points) and Evgeni Malkin (five points), the Russians can bury an opponent when they're a man up.
Regardless of how Thursday goes, though, Canada deserves credit for bouncing back from what could have been a demoralizing defeat to Team USA and for showing poise and a relentless attack in a meaningful knockout game. The last 48 hours must have been tough on the Canadians, and now they have positioned themselves for another shot at redemption.
If they're able to beat Russia in what promises to be an epic matchup on Wednesday, the loss to the United States will become an afterthought. The Canadians will really have their confidence back and will be in excellent position to win a medal — possibly even gold — which is where everyone expected them to be from the beginning.
