Dazed and confused

Manhandled Canadians look to regroup after big loss

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SALT LAKE CITY (Reuters) -- One game into the Olympic tournament Canada is already searching for answers. But at this point, at least it has time.

Coming into the Games, Canada arguably put more pressure on itself than any other team.

Hockey in Canada has become part of the national fabric, woven through the country's culture and history. But that fabric has become frayed in recent years with the rise of European players.

Four years ago when the Canadian team slinked home from Nagano without a medal, the entire nation was dispirited. Politicians convened a hockey summit to determine how to win the gold after a five-decade drought.

This year's team was expected to answer that question but on Friday, a Canadian team comprised of 23 NHL stars often looked confused as Sweden trounced them 5-2.

"It seemed like we were standing still out there. The big ice was a problem, especially the way they played," said Hall of Fame captain Mario Lemieux.

To be fair, the Canadian team has had only one practice since the NHL stopped play this week for the Olympics.

And the larger international ice surface -- 13.5 feet wider than the one used in the NHL -- does favor the Europeans.

But most of those players now suit up for the NHL and they too must re-adjust.

"The ice doesn't seem that big [when looking from the stands.] But it is when you are out there," said Swedish forward Per-Johan Axelsson, who also plays for the Boston Bruins.

But Canada, the United States and the other six teams that are competing in the final round have time to make adjustments.

The round-robin format will only determine seedings for the quarterfinals, and no team will be knocked out of the competition.

With two more games to work out the kinks, Canada coach Pat Quinn has time on his side. At least until Wednesday when the quarterfinals begin.

"We've got a whole bunch of guys and we have to build trust fast. We didn't do a good job at it tonight...[but] it really doesn't matter if we won or lost tonight. But we'll adjust, we're gonna get there," Quinn said.

 

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