Saturday, September 24, 2016

Canada-Russia semifinal in World Cup of Hockey is a marquee event

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Reborn World Cup of Hockey has produced a semifinal matchup of traditional powers - Canada vs Russia on Saturday - and the second on Sunday pitting Sweden against Team Europe, which did not exist until a few weeks ago and appeared destined for a short life after two ugly exhibition loss.

Such were the joys of this event, in which the US team, which has relentlessly favored stone of skill got their just rewards leaving without a victory. Meanwhile, the speedy kids on Team North America won praise for almost doing the knockout round - and Team Europe actually got there. The semifinal winners will play a best-of-three final start Tuesday at the Air Canada Centre.

First up are Canada and Russia, rivalry flared into Canada awareness of the Summit series in 1972 and dominated in recent years, those wearing the maple leaf. The win in Group A, Canada (3-0-0) outscored opponents, 14 to 3 Russia (2-1-0 and zero for eight power-play) had a difficult ride. Everyone hoped to Canada for this feature: native Sidney Crosby vs. Alex Ovechkin, a national television spectacle featuring unmatchably deep team that plays up-tempo style and spend a short time in their own end against a group capable of great individual skills, all bathed in historical overtones.


"I do not think you could have a better scenario for him. That's what everybody is doing on Saturday night in Canada," said Canada and Ducks right wing Corey Perry. "It will be exciting. We try to stay calm, but we know what is at stake."

It will be a pivotal moment for Russia, which failed to win an Olympic medal on home ice in Sochi in 2010 or in Vancouver.

"It's huge. It's a big battle. They have great players, we have great players. It will be an interesting challenge for us and for them," said Russia and Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Sergei Bobrovsky. "I think the atmosphere will be fun."


Team Europe (2-1-0) has been outscored, 9-1, in the first four seasons of his pre-tournament games, but staged a stunning turnaround sparked pride and simple strategies patient. Look for this to continue against Sweden (2-0-1). "There is no flash on it," Kings and Europe Centre Anže Kopitar said. "We play a boring style of hockey, but it proved to be quite successful."

This is not surprising for European players. "Every game we get more connected," Kings and Europe Gáborík striker Marian said. "I think our game is uplifting and we will take it to the next level on Sunday."

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