OTTAWA | Quand on se compare, on se console.
After two consecutive failures in which Junior Team Canada was not even able to reach the semi-final, it can at least console itself by seeing the result of the final four match between Finland and Sweden.
With a 4-3 defeat in overtime, the Swedes are assured of not getting their hands on a first gold medal since 2012.
Considered one of the world’s greatest hockey powers, the Swedes have only two gold medals in 49 years: 1981 and 2012.
Another way to lose
On Saturday, they had their destiny in their hands when they got a power play in overtime, during which head coach Magnus Havelid left his first unit on the ice for the entire two minutes, without success.
Moments later, it was Finland’s turn to take advantage of a numerical advantage and they scored on a no-angle shot from Benjamin Rautiainen.
It’s a difficult sequence to explain, for a country which has presented excellent formations in its history.
“I don’t think this sequence adds pressure on our players,” assured Havelid. I think it adds to their motivation and they are more hungry to win. It’s a difficult tournament to win and certainly a challenge for our country.”
