It’s my Parting Shot for an Olympic Men’s hockey post-mortem – with a Canadian slant…..
Count me among the many who know that most other days, Canada wins the gold medal game, based on out-shooting the United States by a 3-2 margin, out-playing them by a 3-2 margin and, in all likelihood, out-chancing the Americans by that same 3-2 margin. On most days, Canada wins the game 5-1 because Connor McDavid and Macklin Celebrini will score on their break-away chances, Nathan MacKinnon won’t miss the open net and Connor Hellebuyck made a 1 in 20 desperation save on Devon Toews in the blue paint!
While that sounds like sour grapes – and it is for the most part – I’m not subscribing to the whole, blame it on the 3-on-3 format of overtime. It was okay when Mitch Marner scored in the 3-on-3 O-T in the quarter-final to beat Czechia and everyone knew what the deal was with the format going into the games so, if you didn’t like the format, avoid it by winning in regulation time – simple as that!!
Having said that, overtime in the championship final or gold medal game – no matter what the event is – should be five-on-five…for at least a 20-minute period. Then, go to four-on-four for another 20-minute period, then play three-on-three until there is a winner, if need be. The other thing to do, in order to accomodate this, scheduling-wise, is to hold the Olympic Gold Medal game on the second-last day of the Games – and start it at 2 in the afternoon. That way you aren’t running into the Closing Ceremonies and you have plenty of time to play all that overtime, if need be, into the evening!!
When it comes to Canada’s roster, anyone who thinks that mistakes were made is probably a mistake themselves. I think Doug Armstrong, Jim Nill and company put together a well-rounded group. Jordan Binnington was the right goaltender, Tom Wilson was a good add, Thomas Harley was just fine on defence. In four years time, Canada will have new stars to add, like Connor Bedard and Matthew Schaefer. It wasn’t their time just yet, but they’ll get their chance in France – hey that rhymes! Believe me Canada will get another chance in France – likely even before that when the World Cup returns in 2028 – to prove that we have the superior nation when it comes to men’s hockey! I can hardly wait for both of those events!!
That’s my Parting Shot. I’m Les Lazaruk…and it turned out nice again!
