Canada crashed out of that tournament on home ice with a squad few thought accurately represented the country’s top talent (which Hockey Canada, in typical national fashion, all but apologized for this week).
Since the last time Canada played the US at an elite tournament in 2016, Canadians have watched the American program grow stronger and deeper, while Canada’s own has lost focus.
So, if reputation redemption, or a simple recalibration of hockey dominance, was all that was at stake during Saturday night’s spicy contests between Canada and the US – the Americans came from behind to win 3-1 – it still would have been a doozy.
And it is indeed the second-most-important sports event in Canada this evening after, of course, the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, the Canadian women’s curling championship that could see a six-way tie for three places in the playoffs.
If you happen to be watching the Scotties (unlike us poor folks in the USA who are stuck without live coverage), feel free to drop me an email or two over the course of the evening.
