Canada Systematically Slams the Slovaks

Canada has been on a roll so far at the IIHF World Hockey Championship, heading into today's game with a 4-0 record and a +21 goal differential. On average that means they've won each game by 5.25 goals. Meanwhile, Slovakia sits 2-2 with their most recent game being a 4-2 loss to Belarus. The most notable players on the Slovak roster this year are former NHLer Andrej Mezaros, and Andrej Sekera (Edmonton Oilers). Canada last played Slovakia back at the 2014 tournament taking a 4-1 win.

1st Period:

The game would start out without a lot of opportunities in either direction, with both teams failing to score on the powerplay once. With 8:52 to go in the period, Canada would take the 1-0 lead with Morgan Reilly (Toronto Maple Leafs) scoring on a shot from the left point off a faceoff win by Derick Brassard (New York Rangers).

Corey Perry (Anaheim Ducks) would have the opportunity to put Canada up 2-0 but would be denied on a breakaway by the Slovak goaltender. However less than a minute later Canada would take the 2-0 lead on a one timer from Matt Duchene (Colorado Avalanche) in the slot. Brad Marchand (Boston Bruins) got the assist after forcing the turnover and giving Duchene a beautiful pass in front. The 1st period ends with Canada up 2-0 and the shots 14-4 in favour of the Canadians.

2nd Period:

Similarly to the opening period, both teams would have their opportunities in the first half of the 2nd period and both would sqaunder powerplay chances before we actually would see any goals. Canada would add to their lead on the powerplay with Taylor Hall (Edmonton Oilers) deflecting a pass into the Slovakian net on the powerplay to make it 3-0. Mark Scheifele (Winnipeg Jets) would make it 4-0 late in the period after receiving a pass alone in front from Sam Reinhart (Buffalo Sabres) and putting the puck in the bottom corner as he was tripped. The 2nd period ends with Canada ahead 4-0, and ahead on shots 23-15. It was only the second period of the tournament thus far in which Canada was outshot.

3rd Period:

The 3rd period would have a lull for most of as the result was already guaranteed. However that wouldn't stop Canada from making it 5-0 about halfway through the period. Ryan Murray (Columbus Blue Jackets) would keep a Slovak clearing attempt, passing it down to Corey Perry (Anaheim Ducks) would walk in and slide a pass back door to Derick Brassard would simply tap the puck into the yawning cage. Brassard is now third in tournament scoring with nine points in five games. The game would end with Canada winning 5-0 and the final shots being 33-18 in Canada's favour.

Canada remains undefeated in the tournament at 5-0-0-0 and retakes top spot from Finland who have the same record with Canada having the better goal differential. Canada next plays on Monday morning at 7:15am against France while Slovakia will play Finland next. Canada and Finland will then decide the group on Tuesday morning at 11:15am as they square off. Go Canada Go!