Canada’s GM on Europe: ‘Shame on us if we don’t take them serious’ in World Cup final

The Europeans are coached by Ralph Krueger, the former front man of the Edmonton Oilers and a member of Canada’s staff at the 2014 Olympics. The long-time head coach of the Swiss National team joined the Babcock-led coaching staff in Sochi as something of a guru for the international ice surface.

The 57-year-old, fired from his Oilers coaching job by Skype, sat in on Canada’s coaching meetings and is said to be well-versed in the rhythms and philosophies of Babcock and Canada, according to Armstrong.

Both GM and coach said they were impressed by the effect Krueger managed to have in less than three weeks with Europe, a collection of players from eight different nations. Babcock observed a group that was structured and smart without the puck. He thought the Europeans had a solid defence and capable goaltender in 31-year-old Jaroslav Halak, the former goalie partner of Canadian No. 1 Carey Price in Montreal.

Armstrong thought Europe was comfortable in its own skin, rarely deviating from a safe, responsible game plan.

“I don’t think anybody gets to a final in anything worth winning and doesn’t expect to have to work to get that done,” Babcock said.

Canada remains a heavy favourite against Europe, though, and faced only mild resistance in marching to the final. The Canadians blasted past their four opponents by a combined 19-6 spread over four games and have played with the lead almost exclusively, trailing the Americans for 89 seconds and Russia — whom it beat in Saturday’s first semifinal — for 76 seconds.

Victory has rarely appeared in doubt otherwise with Canada beating the Europeans 4-1 in its final preliminary round game on Wednesday.

Babcock thinks his team has gotten far more organized since the start of training camp three weeks ago, better understanding of “what I want” as it relates to the team structure. That comfort, he says, allows players to feel more comfortable and lets their skill shine.

Canada has also greatly increased its familiarity and chemistry in a span of only weeks. All four lines and defence pairings have basically stayed the same since a 6-0 tournament-opening win over the Czech Republic. The top unit of Sidney Crosby, Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand has even surprised Canada’s staff with the speed of its connection, combining for three goals against Russia.

“I think our group has a good confidence about them, a good calmness about them, a good belief system in what we’re doing and now we’ve just got to keep getting better,” Babcock said.

Their depth of talent should be far too much for Europe to handle.

Canada has four imposing lines, each of which presents a likely mismatch for Krueger. The European head coach will have to rely on the foursome of Zdeno Chara, Dennis Seidenberg, Roman Josi and Andrej Sekera to combat not only Crosby, but Steven Stamkos, John Tavares, Matt Duchene and an endless list of stars.

Europe’s top line of Anze Kopitar, Marian Hossa and Tomas Tatar, meanwhile, will be checked by Jonathan Toews, Logan Couture and Corey Perry as well as the defensive duo of Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Shea Weber. That Canadian fivesome combined to limit Alex Ovechkin to a single shot attempt in a pointless effort in the semis.

Halak will have to shine for the Europeans to somehow beat Canada twice in the final that begins on Tuesday. The Canadians haven’t lost once in a best-on-best game since the preliminary round of the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.

“Play disciplined, play smart, shut down their top guys, try and score on the best goalie in the tournament and on and on,” Kopitar said of the challenges Canada presents. “Obviously the games are going to be very hard and we have to play our very best to beat them.

“Do we think it’s doable? Yeah, for sure. But it’s going to take a lot from us.”

Jonas Siegel, The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

Canada’s GM on Europe: ‘Shame on us if we don’t take them serious’ in World Cup final

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