The Canadians got going in the second period on Tuesday in Beijing en route to a 7-2 win over China to join Sweden in the quarter-finals of the men’s hockey tournament at the Olympic Games.
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Claude Julien’s troops hit the target three times in the second period. Adam Tambellini achieved it twice, hitting the target on a penalty shot, among other things. Eric O’Dell also flashed the red light, giving Team Canada a three-goal lead in the second intermission.
Eric Staal and Jack McBain added to the last engagement. Former Montreal Canadiens Jordan Weal also contributed to the win with two first-period goals.
“It’s important for our line and our team that we participate in the offensive effort. Corban Knight and Jordan Weal are outstanding players. Playing with them is easy and fun, and I’m happy to contribute. It’s good that the three of us can create opportunities to impose ourselves and that we can take advantage of them, ”said Tambellini according to comments reported by Hockey Canada.
Still room for improvement
Buffalo Sabers prospect Owen Power, selected first overall in the National Hockey League (NHL) draft last year, did not have his best game. He was the source of the first Chinese goal when he caused a turnover very close to his goalkeeper in the first period. American Cory Kane took the opportunity to put China on the board.
Former Habs prospect Morgan Ellis was given a five-minute major penalty for elbowing compatriot Ethan Werek in the head. Moments later, Kane hit the target a second time in a five-on-three streak for the home favorites.
“I think China is one of the teams in the tournament that generates the most chances to score from the entry zone. If your defensive retreat is not good, the Chinese will take advantage of it. We were able to adapt and play better as the game progressed, and [Matt] Tomkins made key saves to help us maintain our lead, said Julien. From the second period, our players responded well to the pressure exerted by our opponents and we took control of the game.
In front of the Chinese net, Canadian goalkeeper Jeremy Smith injured his knee and left the game in the first period after stopping 15 pucks. Another Canadian, Paris O’Brien, took over, giving up five times on 28 shots. Tomkins, for his part, blocked 27 of the 29 pucks aimed at him.
“We want to play matches, we are hungry! We didn’t mind playing today. The game against China gave us another opportunity to improve and focus on areas of our game that we can develop. I believe that’s what we did. We always say that we have to improve every day and we add strings to our bow to help us win,” said Weal.