World Cup of Hockey: Canada defeats Europe 2-1, full highlights

Sep 29, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Team Canada center Sidney Crosby (87) passes the World Cup of Hockey championship trophy to his teammates after defeating Team Europe 2-1 in game two of the World Cup of Hockey final at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Bennett/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports
Sep 29, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Team Canada center Sidney Crosby (87) passes the World Cup of Hockey championship trophy to his teammates after defeating Team Europe 2-1 in game two of the World Cup of Hockey final at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Bennett/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports /
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Team Canada has won the World Cup of Hockey following a dramatic 2-1 win over Team Europe.

After a dominating 3-1 win over Europe in Game 1 of the World Cup of Hockey finals, many thought Canada would win Game 2 easily. However, Team Europe had other ideas.

Europe’s first goal came in the first period courtesy of Zdeno Chara. A late goal by Patrice Bergeron tied the game at one. Canada would get the win thanks to a goal by Brad Marchand with under a minute left.

Europe had a game plan to shut down Canada by stifling their speed. In this game, they executed the game plan to perfection. Canada got outplayed by Europe. This was much more than Canada simply not getting bounces.

Europe was clearly the better hockey team. Led by Anze Kopitar and Frans Nielsen, Europe countered Canada’s speed by refusing to give them any space. However, in the end, Canada’s speed and skill proved to be too much to stop.

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Carey Price re-asserted himself as the best goalie in the world, playing nearly flawlessly against Europe. Canada struggled for the first 40 minutes but really came alive in the final period. Give credit to Europe, they played their hearts out. However, their power play woes cost them the tournament, as Marchand’s shorthanded goal was the game-winner.

Highlights

https://twitter.com/myregularface/status/781671189911629824

Player of the Game

Price and Marchand were the two best players for Canada. Bergeron might have gotten the game-tying goal, but Marchand won it with his shorthanded goal. Give credit to Price as well. He’s the best goaltender in the world for a good reason.

Price showed why tonight. Jaroslav Halak deserves a lot of credit too. He played incredibly well and nearly held Canada off the scoresheet.