Canada enters this game after a 4-3 shootout victory on opening day over Greece, followed up with a convincing 7-1 rout of Finland just the day before. India lost their opener 3-1 to a tough Slovakia squad but followed it up with a 3-0 shutout of Greece less than 24 hours earlier.
Canada showed no signs of fatigue on the quick turnaround as they pounced early at 5:33 with Danick Martel opening the score after a drive down the right side and a wrister over the glove of the Indian keeper Mangat. Despite a couple of penalties to Canada mid-way through the first, the penalty kill units and their keeper Barlow fought it off and soon after that Canada found itself on the power play. Brian Szolga then found the back of the net on a nice feed from Power and Canada went up 2-0.
Support coming from the Canadian families and women’s team as well!
Early in the second after an unsportsmanlike penalty to India, Danick Martel went top shelf on a one-timer from Jordan Escott for his second of the game. India continued to work in the second, but Barlow continued to turn away quality chances. After a slashing call to Brar late in the second, Canada notched its 4th and 3rd powerplay respectively thanks to Dustin Kelly again, and Canada went up 4-0.
Both goalies continued to shine early in the 3rd, this time Mangat flashing the glove on a shot ripped from Laurencelle from the slot. Dannick Martel completed the hattrick 6:19 into the final frame on Canada’s 4th power play goal and Canada continued to roll. After Canada went up 6-0, not to be out-done, Dustin Kelly fired his hat-trick goal and the rout was on. Canada went on to win 8-0.
Can you see the winning team spirit?!
Tim Barlow was selected best player of the game for Canada and deservedly so, as he turned away 32 shots, many of them high quality. Post-game Barlow mentioned the importance of gathering momentum early on in the tournament, particularly with a fierce opponent in Slovakia awaiting Canada Tuesday evening. “You’ve got to capitalize on opportunities because a team like Slovakia just does not give up that many chances. You get behind on them and you may never come back.”
Game time is 7:30pm against Slovakia Tuesday night. India now faces the U.S. tomorrow night in a heavyweight 10pm tilt.
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