The World Cup of Hockey could not be going any better for its host nation. On Wednesday, Canada wrapped up a perfect round robin record with a 4-1 victory over Team Europe; clinching the top overall seed in the semifinals.
On this night, Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews played the hero, finishing the contest with two goals and one assist. Captain Sidney Crosby and forward Logan Couture also tallied for Canada.
Colorado Avalanche forward Matt Duchene set up Toews’ first goal, intercepting goaltender Jaroslav Halak’s errant clearing attempt and sending in front of the net to a waiting Captain Serious. With the assist, Duchene grabs a share of the tournament scoring lead, as he now has two goals and four points in three games. Making the feat even more impressive, he has yet to play more than the 12:33 he played against Europe, in any contest.
For the tournament, Duchene has been reunited with former Avalanche teammate Ryan O’Reilly, with San Jose Sharks center Joe Thornton rounding out the trio, to form Canada’s fourth line. Duchene has also seen some time on the team’s second powerplay unit.
With the victory, Canada will now face off against either Russia or Team North America in the semifinals. In control of their own destiny, Russia has to defeat Finland tomorrow to advance. Otherwise, the U-23 team will move on, after beating Sweden in OT thanks to Nathan MacKinnon’s tally. Team Europe will play Sweden in the semis.
