Author: Dose

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Canada beats Finland and secures its spot in the final

Canada had the chance to reach the final of the Four Nations Tournament this afternoon.

All it took… Was a victory in regulation time against Patrik Laine, Joel Armia, and Finland.

Cale Makar returned to the lineup and Travis Konecny took Seth Jarvis’s place on offense for the occasion:

It was Jordan Binnington who got the start, and one has to wonder if in the locker room, the Canadian players told themselves they needed to score quickly to give him a lead.

Because that’s exactly what happened.

Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon scored in turn within the first five minutes of the game to allow the Maple Leaf to take the upper hand against Finland.

The big players of Canada showed up to play:

You could really feel that the Canadians wanted to send a message to their opponents at the start of the game.

Right after MacKinnon’s goal, Sam Reinhart delivered a big shoulder check to Mikko Rantanen:

Canada really took control of the game, and it showed in the last ten minutes of the first period.

But when I said that the big players of Canada showed up to play… It wasn’t a joke.

Brayden Point found the back of the net with just over seven minutes left on the clock, and Connor McDavid picked up his second point of the match.

3-0 Canada (already!):

If everything worked for Canada in the first period… We can say they managed to start things off right at the beginning of the second period.

Nathan MacKinnon scored his second goal of the match while positioned in the slot.

He took advantage of a pass from his buddy, Sidney Crosby, to fool the Finnish goaltender.

MacKinnon also ended Kevin Lankinen’s night:

In the first 40 minutes of the match, Connor McDavid was everywhere on the ice.

He almost allowed Canada to take a 5-0 lead:

In the third period, we saw Finland wake up a bit… But it was already too late.

Esa Lindell cut the deficit to 4-1 with just under seven minutes to play:

Finland was never really in the game in the end… Except at the end of the match.

Mikael Granlund scored two late goals to bring hope back to Finland.

With just over a minute to play, it was 4-3 for Canada…

But Sidney Crosby scored into an empty net, and Canada won the match by a score of 5-3.

Connor McDavid finished the match with two points (one goal and one assist), just like Nathan MacKinnon (two goals).

Overtime

Canada thus secures its spot in the final.

They will face the United States on Thursday night in a match that will be held in Boston.

The crowd is likely to be loud… And it promises to be a really thrilling match!

Until then, note that the Americans will be in action tonight.

They will face Sweden in their last preliminary match of the tournament.

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Two assists for Demidov: He is now in the top-10 of the best scorers in the KHL

Have you been told that Ivan Demidov is a good hockey player?

No joke, the Canadiens’ prospect stood out (again) today in his game.

And this, even though he was (again) one of the least utilized forwards by his coach.

Demidov spent just over 13 minutes on the ice (13:14), but that was enough for him to collect his 47th and 48th points of the season.

He registered two assists in his team’s victory (5-3) against Severstal Tcherepovets:

Things are going really well for Demidov recently.

He is on a nice streak: the forward has scored no less than 28 points in his last 22 games… And his recent performances have allowed him to break into the top 10 scorers in the KHL today.

Of course, this deserves recognition.

Not only because he is 19 years old… But also because he is really less used than the other most productive players in the league:

(Credit: KHL)

One must say that Ivan Demidov is providing good arguments to the fans and to the Canadiens organization.

We all knew he had great talent at the last draft… But seeing him dominate the KHL under the circumstances we know adds even more importance to his selection.

And that’s why we all can’t wait to see him arrive in Montreal. He says he can’t wait to play for the Canadiens too!

The good news in all this? It’s coming…

In Brief

– That’s good.

– What do you think?

– This could help with his confidence.

– What to expect from the Jays in 2025?

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Canadian national anthem: boos in Boston

The Four Nations Confrontation is now in Boston. How would Team Canada be received by the Boston crowd?

What you need to know is that when the Canadian players stepped onto the ice, there were not really any boos. Brad Marchand, when he was shown on the screen, was applauded. #BostonPlayer

But we wanted to know how the Canadian national anthem would be treated. And clearly, there were some boos… but very few. It was absolutely not widespread.

The message to respect national anthems had been conveyed, and it was mostly respected by Boston fans.

Is it because Americans did not want to boo? That they don’t really know what’s going on in Canada? That there are quite a few Canadians who made the trip?

Who knows.

We don’t know if it would have been the case if the match had taken place against the Americans, but at least, the NHL must be happy to see that the Canadian national anthem was not disrespected by the crowd.

More details to come…

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NBA fans are jealous of the NHL’s “All-Star festivities” (and rightfully so)

Last night was the NBA All-Star Game. Did you know? Exactly.

And from the fans’ comments, it was terrible. It usually is, but apparently, the NBA has outdone itself this season. There really wasn’t anything interesting to note.

It’s a bit like the NFL’s Pro Bowl.

You can’t include MLB in all this because the game is representative of the regular schedule (you can’t do a half-swing) and because the home run derby is fun, but…

But nothing beats what we see in the NHL right now. Saturday’s Canada game and yesterday’s All-Star basketball game clearly demonstrate how different they are… and fans of other sports, including basketball, are jealous.

We know that the NHL has hit a home run with its event. And right now, we are making up for the lost years without any international tournaments to present to the fans.

But that’s another story.

The NHL is the only one that can generate a Canada – United States rivalry during the season (there aren’t enough top Canadians in the NBA, NFL, or MLB to make it happen) and it is taking advantage of that.

And no one is missing the All-Star Game right now.

However, it’s worth noting that Renaud Lavoie, as announced this morning on BPM Sports’ morning show, reminded that next year, the plan is still to have an All-Star Game before the Olympics.

Oh boy.

The goal is to bring in the players who will go to the Games in Italy, so that everyone can leave from New York to head to the 2026 Olympic Games.

I don’t know about you… but for me, considering extending the NHL’s break without games for an All-Star Game before the Olympics, I would have just skipped, like this year, the All-Star Game. You?

In brief

– The Swedish lines at practice.

– It must have been intense.

– To be continued…

– True.

– The Rocket will play today.

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Jordan Binnington in front of the net: it’s ridiculous

Well, let’s see.

Canada has decided not to make a change in goal. This means that Jordan Binnington will once again be in action for Canada in a game that the team must absolutely win.

This is what Jon Cooper just announced.

Binnington is not the only culprit for Saturday’s setback, but clearly, he is part of the reasons why Canada did not win its game against the Americans.

Initially, he was not my choice (Adin Hill was) for the tournament, and his save percentage of .896 is not reassuring. Bringing him back is therefore a bad decision in my eyes.

I understand that giving him confidence by entrusting him with the net could be a strategy, but in my opinion, putting the best available goalie in a “do-or-die” game would have been a better one.

Cooper is not used to this, anyway. #Lightning

Details to come…

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Joel Armia will face Canada this afternoon

Damn I can’t wait for 1:00 PM when Canada and Finland will face off in what will be a do-or-die match for one of the two teams. Maybe even both…

Basically, schools are closed and people are working from home because we have a Canada game to watch in the middle of the day, right?

Why not schedule the Americans – who are celebrating a national holiday from golf ocean to ocean – in the afternoon and then Canada in the evening? Because the NHL is an American league, sir…

Neither Finland nor Canada will practice before the match.

Jon Cooper has refused to confirm the identity of the goalie he will send into the fray; will it be Jordan Binnington, who has faced harsh criticism since Saturday night, or Samuel Montembeault Adin Hill?

Montembeault has mostly been a privileged spectator throughout the tournament, and not a real factor.
(Credit: Getty Images)

Will Cale Makar be healthy enough to play this do-or-die match?

Unfortunately, Tom Wilson, Connor Bedard, and Macklin Celebrini are not with the team in Boston, they…

Among the Finns, it’s known that Kevin Lankinen will defend the net for his team…

And we just learned that Joel Armia will return to the lineup, having been left out against Sweden on Saturday. He will replace Teuvo Teravainen. Armia and Patrik Laine, two Canadiens members, will therefore face Canada.

Will the fans at TD Garden boo the Canadian national anthem today? I’m pretty sure they will, given that we booed their national anthem and their captain last week in Montreal.

I think every self-respecting North American who loves hockey hopes to see a great final Canada vs USA Thursday night in Boston. Any other scenario would be significantly less interesting…

Overtime

– Matthew Tkachuk did not skate with the Americans this morning. He is not expected to be in uniform tonight against Sweden (in a meaningless game for them). If he had the chance, would he still drop the gloves against Canada, knowing it might have ended his tournament?

– Canadiens players not participating in the Four Nations Tournament (who managed to return to Quebec in time despite the storm) will practice tomorrow around 2:00 PM in Brossard. So we will see Christian Dvorak and Jayden Struble back in action. #ItWillBeDifferent

– Reminder: here are the scenarios that would allow Canada to qualify for the big final.

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Sidney Crosby: staying in Pittsburgh after such a tournament must not be tempting

I am the first to doubt a transaction involving Sidney Crosby.

The captain of the Penguins is one of the greatest players in the franchise’s history, and clearly, he is well aware of this. He even agreed to sign at a discount to remain in Pennsylvania.

Not everyone would have done that.

But it is easy to wonder, on the sidelines of the Four Nations Confrontation, how much Crosby has gotten back into the competitive game and high-stakes duels.

On Saturday, he participated in his biggest game in years. This afternoon, he will fight for his survival. And maybe on Thursday evening, he will play for the gold medal of the tournament.

It’s been a while since he has played such games.

So the question arises: how much will the last few days make Crosby think that yes, it could be interesting to go try to win the Stanley Cup elsewhere?

I do not believe this will happen by March 7. And as I said, if I had to bet, I would say that by the end of his next contract, #87 will remain with the Penguins.

But Kyle Dubas must be wondering if the tournament could give ideas to his captain. And if he wants to leave, he will leave.

After all, Crosby will experience a real “reality check” when he steps back into the Penguins’ locker room and is not exactly surrounded by the same guys as with Team Canada.

You might say that Samuel Montembeault will experience the same thing when he sees Christian Dvorak instead of Mitch Marner and Michael Pezzetta instead of Drew Doughty… but you understand my point.

in brief

– Already?

– Better hurry: he won’t be able to go after the first round. #Curse

– A duel not to be missed.

– He is strong, yes.

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United States: «guys owe nothing to anyone»

So, how are you feeling after the match on Saturday night?

The United States won a game that no team wanted to lose. In fact, within the first nine seconds of the match, the Americans had put the game out of reach for Canada.

And after that, good luck trying to beat the American goalie. It really took Connor McDavid at his best to fool his vigilance…

By necessity, the situation in front of the net raises questions. How much is Canada shooting itself in the foot by keeping Jordan Binnington in net?

We knew that Canada had a chance of being let down by its goalies, and on Saturday, it happened. The team lost its momentum when Binnington allowed his first goal, which was stoppable.

When it was 2-1 for the States, Connor Hellebuyck had to give up two goals… and Jordan Binnington had to be perfect. It was quite the challenge, to put it that way.

We know that Jon Cooper has already chosen his goalie for the afternoon match (against Sweden), but he hasn’t said anything publicly yet. And let’s just say many Canadians are expecting a goalie change…

How much pressure is Doug Armstrong, the hockey boss of the Blues and a member of Team Canada, putting to keep his goalie? How much is Bruce Cassidy (assistant to Jon Cooper) pushing for Adin Hill to play? I don’t know.

But I do know one thing: the Canadian country club (the one that cost Logan Thompson and Mark Scheifele their spots) isn’t exactly helping the team the way things are going.

Canada is a victim of people who have interests in the team and who must think about their return to the NHL. And for those who think that doesn’t matter, remember that Martin St-Louis left Tampa Bay because of what happened with Team Canada in 2014.

All this to say that the United States doesn’t have that problem. Renaud Lavoie (BPM Sports) Mike Sullivan isn’t coaching any of his players; the goalie coach comes from the Kings, and the team’s GM (Bill Guerin) has only one Wild player on his team: Matt Boldy.

Guys owe nothing to anyone. – Renaud Lavoie talking about the USA’s leaders

Is this an element that makes Canada need to look in the mirror and have more… independent people for the future? The question deserves to be asked.

Especially if Canada were to miss out on gold.

overtime

Today, at 1 PM, Canada and Finland will face off. And at 8 PM, Sweden and the United States will clash. These are the last matches of the preliminary four nations tournament.

The final, which will surely involve the United States, will take place on Thursday. No one else will have more than five points in the standings.

For Sweden to participate in the final, the team must win in regulation against the United States and hope that the match between Canada and Finland goes to overtime.

Sweden lost to Canada and Finland in Montreal.

Canada (ideally with Cale Makar) and Finland, by winning in regulation this afternoon, can secure their places in the final. If the match – which won’t be easy – goes to overtime, the winner of the duel must hope that Sweden does not win its match in 60 minutes later in the day.

Note that the United States will not play based on their opponents: they will play based on what’s best for them. If that means resting Matthew Tkachuk (which is currently planned) for the final… so be it.

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The NHL is considering bringing back the white jerseys for home games

We might soon see changes regarding uniforms in the National Hockey League.

According to The Hockey News editor Ryan Kennedy, the NHL is considering reverting to white jerseys at home and dark jerseys on the road.

Since the 2003-04 season, teams have worn their colored uniforms at home. This is based on the idea that a team defends not just its home ice but also its colors and emblem.

However, from 1970 to 2003, it was the opposite, as teams wore their white jerseys for home games while visitors could display their colors on their opponents’ ice.

Should the NHL go back and revert to white jerseys for the home team?

The problem is primarily a matter of taste, making it a very subjective response.

Many fans love seeing their team wear its “true” colors at home, while others prefer seeing the dark jersey in their rivals’ arenas.

Kennedy also brings up an interesting point by asking when we might see matchups between two teams wearing their dark jerseys?

Indeed, the league should consider games where teams wear their colored jerseys to face off, somewhat like the NFL’s color rush. This would also be an opportunity for different clubs to create additional variations of their uniforms.

I think a Saturday night game with the Canadiens in red against the Maple Leafs in blue would be beautiful to see with a bit of a retro feel.

However, the NHL is quite conservative and is not known for its innovations regarding jerseys (or in general), compared to other professional sports leagues.

Yet, more designs lead to more jersey sales, and selling more jerseys results in more profits for the league. In general, that is the goal of a business.

But, lacking innovation, the league is considering the option of going back and reverting to white jerseys for the home team.

And you, do you prefer the dark jersey or the white jersey at home?

In Brief

– Listen up!

– A crucial match for Canada.

– A first since 1991.

– Show canceled!

– A $100,000 shot!

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Benoît Groulx is impressed by Ivan Demidov’s talent

Ivan Demidov is causing a lot of talk. The Montreal Canadiens prospect is performing very well in the KHL, notably breaking the record for points scored by a rookie, despite limited playing time.

The young player is receiving numerous praises, particularly from coach Benoît Groulx.

The Québécois, who accepted a position last year as coach for Traktor Chelyabinsk in the KHL, is in a prime position to see Demidov evolve and develop.

Groulx had the chance to meet the young player during the recent Kontinental Hockey League All-Star Game.

In an article published on RG’s site, it is revealed that according to Groulx and several KHL coaches, Demidov is one of the most talented players they have observed in several years.

Here are the coach’s comments:

“If you talk to any coach in Russia, they will tell you he is one of the best talents who will go to the NHL. He will likely be a player with a lot of impact.”

We often repeat it, but personally, I never get tired of hearing it: Demidov is going to be a very, VERY good player.

However, Groulx is more cautious in comparison games, whether with current players or stars from the past like Sergei Fedorov and especially Guy Lafleur, as many believe that Demidov could be the best player drafted by the Canadiens since the great number 10.

“I think we cannot compare Demidov to a Hall of Famer when the young man is only 19 years old. What they should do is let him come to the NHL, give him the opportunity to succeed, put him with the right players, see how he reacts, and give him time.”

Indeed, despite all the great things we see, we should not expect to see a savior arrive next year when Demidov joins the Canadiens.

However, if the organization has shown us anything in recent years, it is that it knows how to effectively support the development of its young players, and I am not worried that the Canadiens will put in place all the necessary elements to foster the success of the Russian prospect.

And while we wait to see him in a tricolor uniform, here is a beautiful goal by Demidov:

In brief

– Reinforcements for Canada?

– The return of a rivalry!

– A success!

– The NBA All-Stars tonight at 8 PM.

– This could hurt the Yankees.