IIHF Quarter Final Preview: Canada vs Slovakia

Helsinki Division

(1) Canada - (6-0-1-0)  vs  (4) Slovakia - (5-0-0-2)

Preliminary Round Game:

Canada : Slovakia

3 : 2

Canada beat Slovakia 3-2 in a close, competitive game. Canada outshot the Slovaks 30-22 but the game was back and forth, end to end. It was the first game of the World Championships for each team so the players were still getting used to their linemates so the quarter final game could be very different because each team has developed successful lines who work well together.

Slovakia Scoring Leaders

1. Branko Radivojevic (below) - 7 points

2. Andrej Sekera - 7 points

3. Tomas Kopecky - 5 points

Canada Scoring Leaders

1. Duncan Keith - 11 points

2. John Tavares - 9 points

3. Ryan Getzlaf (above) - 8 points

Canada started off the tournament with a close game against the Slovaks, the Canadians won the game 3-2. Canada faced their rival nation; the United States in their second game and they were disappointed with the outcome as they lost 5-4 in overtime. Canada rebounded from the OT loss and have not looked back since. Canada went on to win the next five games, defeating France 7-2, beating the Swiss 3-2, upsetting the host nation Finland 5-3, ran over the Kazakhs 8-0 and finished off the preliminary round with a 5-1 over Belarus. Canada posted a 6-0-1-0 record with put them in first place in the Helsinki division. They finished with 19 points. Canada is leading the tournament in goals scored with 35.

The Slovaks started the World Championships with two tough losses. They lost 3-2 to Canada and 1-0 to Finland. The Slovaks did not lose another game in the preliminaries. They upset the United States in their 3rd game, 4-2. They defeated Kazakhstan 4-2 as well. Slovakia easily handled the Belarussian squad in a 5-1 win. The Slovaks shutout the Swiss and won the game 1-0. The 7th game against France was very important for both teams, if France beat Slovakia in regulation then France would have a legitimate shot at advancing to the Quarter Finals. All the Slovaks needed to advance was one point. They ended up defeating France 5-4 in a very close game. Slovakia finished fourth in the Helsinki division with 15 points.

This Quarter-Final game should be another close game between these two nations. Slovak; Zdeno Chara will be going head to head with the top lines of Canada all game. Chara will be leading the team to try to shutdown all of Canada's offense and help lead quick counterattacks which they did to the Americans. If the Slovaks can perfect the shutdown and counterattack game, the Canadians will in be for a tough game for sure. The Slovaks do not have as many big names as the Canadian team but they play well in all aspects of the game. Can Ward will be going head to head with Jan Laco. The outcome of this game could very well be based on goaltending. The Canadians will look to attack as much as possible and punish the Slovaks whenever possible. It should be a great game to watch.

Who to Watch:

Zdeno Chara - Can he succeed in shutting down the Canadian offense? We will see

Michael Handzus - He has 4 points in 5 games since joining the team, he can play in all situations and is very capable of capitalizing whenever given the opportunity

Jordan Eberle - Mr. Clutch. Team Canada Savoir. This kid does everything right for Canada, especially in huge situations, look for him to step up his already great play in the Quarter Finals.
Cam Ward - He has looked shaky at times but he can keep his composure Canada will be a very hard team to play against. 

Prediction:
Canada wins 4-1.

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