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BEIJING, China — Claude Julien never questioned his team’s heart or motivation, but the head coach of Canada’s men’s hockey team was also well aware of his shortcomings.
“There’s a little thing wrong with everyone’s game,” Julien admitted candidly earlier this week. The goal is to adjust and make the most of our strengths. »
Not least because players of the caliber of Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar were not part of his group.
The edition of Team Canada present in Beijing fought until the end. Although she was not the favorite at the start of the tournament, due to the absence of NHL players, the elimination in the quarter-finals left a bitter taste.
The exhausted Canadians were unable to break through Sweden’s well-honed defence, which won 2-0 to advance to the semifinals on Wednesday.
In these circumstances, a single mistake can make all the difference. During this match, it was Canada who committed it.
Jack McBain, a 22-year-old forward who plays in the American college ranks, made a back pass in his defensive territory that surprised veteran defenseman Eric O’Dell.
Lucas Wallmark took the opportunity to grab the puck, headed for the crease and fired a shot that deflected in front of the net, which cheated the vigilance of Matt Tomkins midway through the third period.
Canada has sought to create equality, but it has never been threatening. Sweden hammered the final nail in Canada’s coffin with an empty-net goal, robbing the Maple Leaf of a medal in men’s hockey for the first time since 2006.
“We did our best, but it wasn’t enough,” admitted 35-year-old forward David Desharnais, who currently plays in Europe.
Canada easily defeated Germany and China in the preliminary round, but fell to the United States. This loss proved costly for the Canadian team, which was forced to go through the qualifying round to advance to the quarter-finals.
The team managed to beat China again to earn their place in the playoffs, but a well-rested Swedish side awaited them in the quarterfinals.
“They are humans, not robots,” said the former head coach of the Montreal Canadiens after his team’s loss on Wednesday.
“I don’t want to use that as an excuse, but the fatigue definitely had an impact. The guys have exhausted their resources. »
But it was not enough.
“It was still a great experience to be in China and get to know these players,” said Team Canada captain Eric Staal. I am satisfied with the way we fought. »
More difficult than in 2018
Quebec defender Maxim Noreau is one of three members of the 2022 edition who were present in Pyeongchang four years ago when Canada won bronze without being able to count on NHL players.
According to him, the tournament in Beijing was more difficult due to a more condensed schedule.
By 2018, the team had participated in more preparatory tournaments, played exhibition games and had a much longer Olympic run, which allowed players to get to know each other better.
“But it’s still impressive to see how our group has become a family,” said the 34-year-old Montrealer. No one put their ego forward, everyone was working for the team. »
Unsatisfactory individual performance
Players in Beijing weren’t expected to turn into NHL stars, but many struggled to get going in the tournament.
Staal, who has already won Olympic gold and the Stanley Cup, never knew how to find his niche. Forward Mason McTavish, the third overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, certainly has a bright future ahead of him, but he has failed to make a big impact in Beijing.
“There were times when we were very solid, but we made mistakes that cost us dearly,” Staal admitted.
However, Canada was able to count on its players who play in Europe. Adam Tambellini had seven points, while former Canadian Jordan Weal had three goals.
“As a coach, I just wanted these players to be rewarded,” said Julien.
