(Riga) Canada were upset in their second game in a row on Monday after losing the flag 3-2 in a shootout against Norway at the Men’s World Hockey Championship.
Thomas Olsen sealed the game after scoring Norway’s fourth goal in a shootout against Canadian goalkeeper Joel Hofer.
Isak Hansen, Sondre Olden, Mathias Tretenes hit the target on the first three chances in the shootout against Canada, which also lost on Saturday against Switzerland.
After Jack Quinn failed, Cody Glass and Canada captain Tyler Toffoli kept Canada’s hopes alive by rattling the ropes on the second and third attempts, respectively. Norwegian goalkeeper Jonas Arntzen, however, stood up to Michael Carcone to confirm the Scandinavians’ victory.
“Norway are playing well defensively, and we knew before the game. They allowed an average of two goals per game, so we knew they were going to defend well. Our game wasn’t fast enough to storm center ice, and against a team like that, that’s what you have to do to generate scoring chances,” explained the coach. -Chief of Canada André Tourigny in a press release.
“Facing adversity is part of this tournament. If your team can’t shine in the face of adversity, then your chances of winning will be slim,” he added.
Hofer, who has played six games for the St. Louis Blues this season, finished with 21 saves to Arntzen’s 31.
It was Norway’s first win at the tournament since winning in 2000.
The Maple Leaf representatives appeared to be heading for a second straight loss as they trailed 2-1 and the final seconds of the third period flew by. But they had not said their last word.
After retiring their goaltender, the Canadians won the face-off in Norwegian territory, and Carcone passed the puck to Lawson Crouse, alone in the slot, who deftly beat Arntzen with 11.1 seconds left. part.
After a period of overtime that failed to break the deadlock, Olsen played heroes for the Norwegians in the penalty shootout.
The Norwegians’ victory lifted them to sixth place in Group B, while Canada remains in third place with 12 points.
The two countries still have to play one match each in the preliminary phase. Canada will meet the Czech Republic on Tuesday, while Norway will face Slovakia.
“We have to be better. All the teams here play so well defensively, and we have to find a way to generate better scoring chances. We have little time to regroup before tomorrow’s game, and it’s a short tournament, so we have to learn from what didn’t go well today and be ready for the Czechs. This will be an important game for us,” Crouse summed up.
In the other game in the morning, Sweden beat Denmark 4-1. Hungary meet Austria later today in Group A, while Slovenia face Kazakhstan in Group B.