World Cup of Hockey: Team Canada vs Team Czech Republic

Team USA losing to Team Europe by 3-0 meant that anything could happen in this World Cup of Hockey tournament. Then Team Canada played Team Czech Republic and balance was restored.

Team Canada beat Team Czech Republic 6-0 to win their opening game of the World Cup of Hockey. And Tavares, yet again, got his name on the score sheet. He may not be having the involvement he’s used to, but maybe that’s a good thing for Isles fans.

After the US’ loss earlier in the day, the thought was that any of these teams could make an impact at the tournament. Not just the classic hockey powerhouses.

It’s a fair assumption. All of these teams are stocked with NHL players, the land where every team is competitive. So maybe the logic would continue through this tournament.

At least until Canada showed that there’s still some disparity between these nations (and continents).

Canada Makes a Statment

Everyone knew that Canada was a powerhouse team. Everyone knew they were favorites to win the tournament.

But until a puck actually drops (on a meaningful game) no one actually knows. No one knows what’s going to happen. It could be like Sochi, where Canada essentially walked to a gold.

Or it could have been like Nagano, where the Canadians were eliminated by the Czech Republic in the semifinals.

The Canadians romped to that 6-0 victory with an absolutely dominant performance against the Czechs.

I love shot differentials so I’ll quote them here. The Canadians would end the game with a +23 shot differential after firing 50 shots at Czech goaltender Michal Neuvirth.

Tavares Powerplay Specialist

Tavares got another two points today with two assists on power-play. He’s becoming something of a power-play specialist for Team Canada now.

It’s great news for Isles fans. It’s not like we weren’t any good on the powerplay last season. The Islanders ranked fourth in terms of powerplay efficiency. But Tavares halved his tally on the man-advantage from the previous season in 2015-16.

If Tavares could be more prolific on that power-play the Islanders could potentially push into that top three of power-play efficiency.

It’s great news for Team Canada who went two for three on the man advantage against the Czech’s.

Next: Key Questions Heading into Training Camp

Canada’s win was a statement win. The big boys are here, and they’re taking names. It’s going to be one thing to beat the Czech’s 6-0. But can the Canadians keep that momentum going into the next game against the US on the 20th?