After losing to Latvia (0:2), USA (1:5) and Germany (1:3), the Canadians have recently won three consecutive wins: Norway (4:2), Kazakhstan (4:2 ) and Italy.
Andrew Mangiapen is representative of the ups and downs in Canadians. Since the Calgary Flames defender joined the team, the Canadians have only won. The 25-year-old attacking defender scored two goals and two assists against Italy.
Canada’s opening position remains fragile even after the third win. Canada must beat world champions Finland at lunch time on Tuesday to stay in the race. And the Canadians can’t even be sure of success over the Finns who have already qualified for the quarterfinals in regular time.
Because if Kazakhstan wins against Norway and Germany gets three points against Latvia and USA, three points against Finland will not help Team Canada. Canada has never been in the top eight of the championship.
Sweden is also in a similar situation. Sweden won 3–1 against Slovakia, thanks to two late goals. Sweden almost never fell into the top 8 at the World Cup (only in 1937). Sweden also needs to win a top match against Russia on Monday evening to remain in the race for the quarter-finals.
Days before the final two preliminary round matches, only Finland had received tickets to the quarter-finals. The Finns beat Germany (2-1) and hosts Latvia (3-2 after extra time) at the weekend.
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