World Juniors Preview: USA vs. Canada

photo via www.theglobeandmail.com

     Tomorrow marks a much anticipated game, in which the United States will square off with Team Canada in each of their final games in the preliminary rounds of the World Juniors Championship.

     Each team has started off relatively strong, but up to this point the United States has held the upper hand, holding a perfect 3-0 record, and outscoring opponents 19-4, the best goals for/goals against in the tournament.

      The U.S. defense and goal tending has been stellar, and has been an essential part of all three American wins. The offense, led by Matt Grzelcyk (2 goals, 4 assists) out of Boston University, has been also been fantastic. The Americans have scored at least five goals in each of their first three games, defeating the Czech's 5-1, Slovakia 6-3, and then pounding the Germans, 8-0.

     Canada on the other hand, has posted a 2-0-1 record, including a 5-4 overtime loss to the last placed (in group A) Czechs. The Canadians have been inconsistent in their first three games, defeating Germany 7-2 to kick off the tournament, only to lose their next game to the lackluster Czech team. Their third game, against Slovakia, ended in a 5-3 win, in which they posted a 3rd period comeback, and took a late lead, followed up by an empty net goal.

      If the Canadians hope to defeat the Americans on New Years Eve, they'll have to step up their game, like they did to come back and beat Slovakia.

     Tomorrow's match up is a big one, and it'll be one of the only times Bruins fans will be rooting against each other. Get ready, it's going to be a fun one!

source:
"Frontpage - 2014 IIHF World Junior Championship - International Ice Hockey Federation IIHF." Frontpage - 2014 IIHF World Junior Championship - International Ice Hockey Federation IIHF. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Dec. 2013.

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