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BEIJING, China — After an unexpected underperformance by Brad Gushue led to a rare losing streak for the Canadian men’s curling team, it was time to get off the ice for a while.
The players had a brief encounter after Saturday’s loss to Sweden before playing video games for a few hours.
Looking refreshed and full of energy, the Gushue team was back in shape on the surface of the Ice Cube on Sunday morning.
Canada took an early lead and never looked back to claim a convincing 10-5 win over American John Shuster.
“It’s been a while since we lost two games in a row,” Gushue said. We couldn’t wait to get back on the ice and win. »
A steal of four in the second end gave Canada full control of this matchup. Shuster saw his double takeout attempt slip outside to give the Canadians a commanding lead.
Both teams made a change on the break after the fifth end, as Gushue held a 7-1 lead. The Americans closed the gap with three runs in the sixth end, but Canada closed the books with two runs in the ninth end.
“I felt a lot more comfortable on the ice,” Gushue said. I didn’t swipe the stone differently, but we had better results. »
Gushue had just 57 percent save percentage in a 7-4 loss to Swede Niklas Edin. The 2006 Olympic champion rallied to post a 94 percent save percentage against the United States.
“They really believe in their ability to come back on the ice and play well again, even after a tough game,” Canada substitute player Marc Kennedy said of his teammates. You saw no doubt in them today and that’s what we’ll have to review. »
As the match seemed to be in the pocket, Kennedy replaced Brett Gallant on the Canadian team.
Kennedy, who won gold in 2010 and returned to the Games in 2018, didn’t expect to see some action for the first time at this competition.
The team decided to make this change while Kennedy was in the locker room picking up some granola bars for Gallant.
“When I came back, Brad told me I was going to get in the game,” Kennedy said.
Usually the vice-captain of Brad Jacobs’ team, Kennedy acted as an assistant coach for the Canadian mixed team before inserting himself as an alternate.
He jogged for “about five seconds” and stretched quickly before he was ready to play.
“I’m a little sore, but it’s the Olympics isn’t it? I can rest later,” Kennedy said, all smiles. Everything is fine.” “
The United States had a better second half. Shuster forced Gushue to a single point in the seventh end and made a three-rock field goal for his team in the eighth.
Gushue’s latest outing ended the debate and lifted Canada’s record to 3-2.
Sweden held off Norway to win 6-4 and remain undefeated after five games. Great Britain defeated China 7-6 as the Russian Olympic Committee beat Italy 10-7.
defeat of women
From his team, the Canadian women’s team lost by the score of 8-4 in front of Switzerland.
The team of Jennifer Jones, who suffered a third loss, conceded four points in the eighth and ninth ends.
For its part, Switzerland remains undefeated.
