Czech Republic Checks Out

Under the most anxious circumstances the game of hockey can provide, a sudden death overtime in an elimination game, Team Canada eliminated the Czech Republic and sent the Air Canada Centre crowd into a state of bedlam. With their win by a score of 4-3, Team Canada advanced to the finals of the World Cup of Hockey which will be played on Tuesday. They will face Team Finland, coming off an upset victory over the Americans last night by a score of 2-1. Team Canada was without their number one netminder Martin Brodeur who suffered a broken hand during the team’s quarter final win against Slovakia. Roberto Luongo replaced him and played very well.

Team Canada managed to win despite playing with a careless attitude at some points during the game. During the first period, the Czech Republic looked like the stronger team. They often beat Canada in battles for the puck and were able to generate more quality chances; however, Canada was able to escape that period without allowing a goal.

In the second, Team Canada looked to have more energy and played much better than they did in the first period. They built a 2-0 lead but surrendered one goal before the end of the period.

The Czech Republic tied the game early in the third but Canada retook the lead on a rocket shot from Kris Draper, a shot Czech goalie Tomas Vokoun likely should have stopped. Although on the ensuing faceoff at centre ice, Team Canada went to sleep allowing the Czech Republic to win the face off and walk in untouched to score the tying goal within in six seconds of the puck drop.

Canada again got a slow start in overtime allowing the Czechs to get some early chances. Luongo was forced to make two or three extremely difficult saves under the pressure of knowing that a birth in the World Cup final was on the line. Luongo handled himself spectacularly during this game and gave Canada a chance to win the game. Team Canada got the winning marker on a brilliant rush by Vincent Lecavalier. After being forced behind the goal on his original rush, Lecavalier went to the net and was able to jam in a rebound from five feet away.

This victory showed the kind of character and heart that the Canadians possess. Despite not playing their best all around game, key players were able to come up with big plays with the game on the line, an attribute that has been forever synonymous with Canadian hockey. Canada will need to come up with one more bit of magic Tuesday night when they will attempt to become the World Cup of Hockey champions.