Teeing Up Team Canada vs Team USA

There is no doubt in my mind that tonight’s matchup between Team Canada and Team USA at the World Cup of Hockey will be one of, if not, the highlight game of the tournament. It is a must-win game for Team USA against a Team Canada that looked flawless in their first game.

There has been much talk about the roster that Team USA sent to the Worlds, however, Team USA will have d-man Dustin Byfuglien and forward Kyle Palmieri in the lineup tonight in an effort to bolster their roster in a must-win game against Team Canada. Scratched from the lineup will be forward Brandon Dubinski, defenseman Jack Johnson and goaltender Cory Schneider. Team USA had just one goal in eleven power-play opportunities in the pre-tournament games and were held scoreless in four power-plays against Team Europe.

That’s just one of the reasons for optimism according to an article by David Satriano. Another is Jonathan Quick in goal. Quick is great in big games. I think everyone can agree that the Team USA that played in the first game against Team Europe was not the Team USA that usually shows up and will definitely not be the team that Canada will face tonight.

Team Canada is coming off of a 6-0 route of Team Czech Republic in their opening game. Canada looked dominant all around and barely broke a sweat. They outshot the Czechs 50-27 and were led by Sidney Crosby and Brad Marchand who each had 3 points.

So with just under three hours to game time, we here at Matchsticks would like to know who will win tonight? Vote below.