Pierre-Luc Dubois was once again the difference maker for Canada, scoring two goals, including the game-winner, in a 5-1 win over Slovakia in a World Hockey Championship preliminary round game , Monday, in Helsinki.
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Dubois notably made a remarkable effort to give the Maple Leafs a 3-1 lead in the second period. After a first blocked shot that he fired while falling, he hit the target when he was lying on the ice.
This is a second straight double for the Quebecer, who is the top scorer in the World Cup with four goals in three games so far.
Dubois’ two goals, scored early in the second period, came in handy as Slovakia looked much hungrier than Canada. A goal from Samuel Takac in the first period allowed the Slovaks to create equality.
“We had a bit of a slower start and that surprised us a bit,” said Canada captain Thomas Chabot, whose comments were reported by IIHF.com. I think the way we came together in the second and third periods is exactly what we wanted. We are slowly getting to play the way we want. We still have work to do, but it’s a good start to the tournament.
Goaltender Logan Thompson, however, made sure to limit his opponents to just one goal, making 34 saves. He was also named player of the match, just like his vis-à-vis Adam Huska, bombarded with 44 shots.
Adam Lowry, Cole Sillinger and Morgan Geekie were the other scorers for Canada. Lowry and Geekie totaled two points, as did Montreal Canadiens players Josh Anderson and Dylan Cozens.
For Sillinger, it was a very special moment.
“It’s every kid’s dream, right? This is my first time representing Canada. It’s a very special moment, now that I play with men, said the striker who celebrated his 19th birthday against Slovakia. When you put on the maple leaf, you’re just trying to help and not thinking about your ego. […] It is an honor to represent your country.”
Canada’s next game is Thursday against Kazakhstan.