The Bronze Medal match will feature two teams frustrated by their fortunes in the semi-finals.
The Canadians were billed as favorites to win the entire tournament with the likes of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Ryan Strome, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Mark Schiefele leading the offense. The team had cruised through the group stage with regulation wins over Germany, the United States, Slovakia, and Russia and many thought that the day of rest before the semi-final tilt with the United States would ensure victory for the Canada. However, the complete opposite occurred and the Americans dispatched with Canada in an embarrassing 5-1 victory. Ty Rattie proved to be the only scorer for the Canadians and Malcolm Subban, who had played well throughout the tournament, imploded for four goals allowed in two periods. Jordan Binnington played the final 20 minutes of the game in goal and could start on Saturday against Russia.
The Russians will look for revenge against the Canadian squad that embarrassed them 4-1 in their final group match. One year after making it all the way to the final, there were expectations that Russia would win the championship at home. However, the team underachieved throughout the tournament with their supposedly dynamic offense never really clicking. In their semi-finals tilt with Sweden, the team fell behind 2-0 in the first period. Andrei Mironov and Mikhail Grigorenko managed to tie up the game in the second and third periods, but a shootout goal from Sweden's Sebastian Collberg ended Russia's hopes at the gold medal.
Canada's offense was shut down by the United States on Thursday, but there has been no question of their abilities. Russia on the other hand has looked ineffective offensively with Nail Yakupov and Grigorenko having quiet campaigns. Goaltending is the wild card for Canada as Subban is no longer assured a start. He did play well against Russia in the group match, but his play against the Americans was woeful.
Prediction: Canada wins the bronze medal. But it will not be as easy as the first time around. 4-2 Canada.
Start Time: 4 AM EST
TV Info: TSN
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