Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Canada moves to 2-0

Press Release

SASKATOON – Canada had no problem checking another opponent off its U20 holiday list, sailing to a 6-0 win against Switzerland.

Once again, the Swiss goaltender Benjamin Conz put on a good show, but the Swiss defence could do little to keep up with the Canadian attack. Compounding the Swiss problems was the lack of offensive action as they went scoreless for the second straight game and were out-shot more than three to one.

Early on, it looked like it would be another lopsided Canadian victory, à la Latvia, after Brandon McMillan scored on the opening shift. The score doubled midway through the period just moments after Switzerland hit the post on the other end. Alex Pietrangelo put in a wrist shot from the slot for the 2-0 lead.

The Swiss faltered badly to open the second period letting in three Canadian goals in a three-minute span. Jordan Eberle and Nazem Kadri scored just 20 seconds apart to set the tone for the period. McMillan followed up with the 5-0 goal just over two minutes later, prompting Swiss head coach Jakob Kölliker to call a timeout to calm down his team.

The tactic worked as Switzerland held Canada scoreless through the second half of game until McMillan tapped in his hat trick tally in the last minute to bring the final to 6-0. Despite the later stall in its offence, Canada still has a mighty 22 goals in its first two games. Jake Allen earned his second shutout in net, although he has faced fewer than 30 shots during the tournament.

After two losses in two days, Switzerland has the day off tomorrow before playing key games against Slovakia and Latvia in a bid to avoid the relegation round. Undefeated Canada returns to action tomorrow against the Slovaks.

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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