(Gothenburg) Canada has yet to get into the rhythm it needs at the world junior hockey championship, which it has won twice in a row.
On Friday, Sweden blanked the Maple Leaf 2-0.
The Canadians beat Finland 5-2 in their first game – a deceptive score, considering the two empty-net goals.
They then beat the poor Latvians 10-0, before losing to the host nation.
The Swedes stifled Canada’s attack and a 10-minute slump cost the North Americans dearly.
“There are obstacles in a tournament like this,” summarized Denton Mateychuk, a Blue Jackets pick.
Head coach Alan Letang said toughness has been a priority since Day 1, for a team getting by without the pure scoring type of the old brigades.
“When you talk about a ‘no break’ mentality, that means you need it for 60 minutes,” he said. Otherwise, it’s not enough. »
Canada will face Germany in its final match of the preliminary round on Sunday.
The team has six points from three games and needs a win to finish second in Group A, behind Sweden.
“We didn’t expect to win every game,” said Coyotes prospect Conor Geekie. A little adversity doesn’t hurt anyone. »
Macklin Celebrini, expected to be the top pick in the upcoming NHL draft, has two goals and four assists to lead Canada.
On the other hand, five of these points were acquired against Latvia.
Canada learned a lesson on Friday.
“Every little moment, every little detail makes a difference,” Letang said. It’s amplified. We must continue to place emphasis on this. »
Matthew Savoie, a Sabers pick, did not participate in Saturday’s practice.
“It’s about a little rest,” Letang said. We’ll see how he feels. »
Canada added forward Jagger Firkusto to its 25-player roster on Saturday. The Kraken prospect had been excluded from the selection camp.
Goalie Mathis Rousseau, who had Saturday off, will get a fourth consecutive start on New Year’s Eve.
“He wasn’t extremely overworked,” Letang said. He made some really big saves when he needed to. »
