from Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star,
Canada has never lost to Germany at the world juniors, and Saturday night’s outcome was never really in doubt.
A W for Canada could have been written in ink the moment the schedule was released, such is the gap in talent. It may well have been etched in stone when it was learned that Germany’s COVID-19 concerns would limit them to nine forwards and five defencemen, while Canada would roll four lines consisting of first-round draft picks.
And the fact that Germany was playing its second game in two nights, while Canada was coming in rested? Well, not even the recent loss of Kirby Dach — Canada’s captain and best player, who played in the NHL all last season — could create any drama as far as the result was concerned.
After a 16-2 win at Edmonton’s Rogers Place, Canada is now 15-0 against Germany at the world juniors.
“This happens when you are not mentally or physically able to play on this kind of level with this intensity,” said German coach Tobias Abstreiter. “This is the result. We had no tools, no battle level, nothing to stand against Canada’s strong game.”
from Jackie Spiegel of The Sporting News,
Following a tough 4-3 loss to the Russians on Christmas, the Americans bounced back in dominating fashion as they easily beat the Austrians 11-0 on Boxing Day.
"I was very happy with the response," said head coach Nate Leaman. "We know we left something on the table last night and they weren't happy about it all day. ... It was good that we faced a little adversity in the first period with only being able to score one on the 23 shots. I'm happy that the guys stuck with it."I'm glad that the guys are building the mental toughness to kind of stay with things."
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