Team Canada started their tournament against Germany with a 16-2 win on Boxing Day. This is one of the most lopsided wins we’ve seen in recent years.
Team Germany, who has been heavily affected by COVID-19, were coming off a loss to Finland on Friday. For the second time in as many days, the Germans hit the ice with only 14 skaters. This would be a major challenge against any opponent in this tournament, let alone against the Canadians who have been gold medal favourites.
Captain Kirby Dach suffered an injury in pre-tournament play that took him out of action for the duration of the tournament meaning Canada was forced to adjust their lines coming into this game. These changes certainly didn’t impede their ability to score. They also had to decide on a player to wear the “C” as this is an IIHF requirement. This will alternate between Bowen Byram and Dylan Cozens with Byram taking it on for this game. Connor McMichael will wear an “A” for the duration of the tournament. Dach is still Canada’s captain, regardless of who wears the “C”.
Goal scorers for Canada in this game included Dylan Cozens (3), Alex Newhook (2), Philip Tomasino (2), Dawson Mercer (2), Peyton Krebs (2), Kaiden Guhle, Thomas Harley, Connor McMichael, Ryan Suzuki, and Jakob Pelletier. Goaltender Devon Levi played the first two periods before being swapped for Dylan Garand. Both allowed only one goal.
Although Canada faced little adversity in this game, they did lose Braden Schneider who was assessed a major penalty and a game misconduct. He hit Germany’s Jan-Luca Schumacher high resulting in a call for head contact. Canada awaits a decision from the IIHF to see if they will be without the defenceman longer due to a suspension.
The Germans did strike in the first period while Tomasino was in the box serving Schneider’s 5 minute major. Buffalo Sabres prospect J.J Peterka scored in the first period to cut Canada’s lead in half. His play was a bright spot for Germany in this game. Sabres fans should definitely keep an eye on him. Florian Elias also scored at the end of the game for the Germans.
Per Hockey Canada, this game tied a record for most goals scored in a single period with 7 in the second. The last time it happened was in 1999 against Kazakhstan in Winnipeg.
Canada got relatively nothing out of this game other than three points. Although they gained some confidence, they will need to reset mentally in order to be successful in the tournament. Game play like this beat the tired Germans but without a doubt will not work in the future. A game like this is not reflective of Germany’s skill given their ridiculously depleted lineup and they’ve continued to make positive strides over the last few years. This should not define the tournament for them. Team Canada will continue their quest for gold on Sunday against Slovakia.
Mikayla’s Players of the Game
Canada
Dylan Cozens
3 G, 3 A, 6 Points, 6 SOG
Cozens with Canada’s only hattrick passed his goal total from last year’s tournament (2). The Sabres prospect showed his ability to be a leader on this team as a returning player.
Germany
J.J Peterka
1 G, 1 A, 2 Points, 5 SOG
Pezerka, another Sabres prospect, also showed up on the scoreboard in this game. He was involved in both of Germany’s goals and recorded 5 shots on goal. He stood out as someone who can make an huge impact for his team in this tournament.
Unbenched Sports 