BY PATRICK KING
sportsnet.ca
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The long climb back to the top of the world junior hockey championship for Canada begins with a quarterfinal date against the Swiss Sunday afternoon.
Team Canada did not win its group for the first time since the 2008 tournament, after the Swedes beat them in a shootout to earn the bye to the semifinals. Sweden was Canada’s nemesis back in 2008, but the Canadian squad got its revenge by working its way back to the gold-medal game and eventually beating the Swedes in overtime in the final.
Now Canada will look to do the same, but will face a tough road right off the bat.
The first test comes against Nino Niederreiter’s Swiss team, who shocked the Russians in the quarterfinal in last year’s tournament. Should Canada beat Switzerland, the host and defending gold-medal champion Americans will be waiting for them in the semifinal.
Canada defeated Switzerland 8-0 in the first preparatory game for each team back on December 20. The Canadians also beat the Swiss 6-1 in the semifinals at last year’s tournament. Canada holds the historical edge, but can’t afford to look too far ahead with a tough opponent in the quarterfinal.
Will a Canadian goaltender finally step up?
The biggest question mark heading into the tournament for Canada was its goaltending.
Through four round-robin games, the question remains unanswered. Olivier Roy struggled through two of his three starts while Mark Visentin was relatively untested against a gamely Norwegian squad in his only start.
Head coach Dave Cameron announced Sunday morning that Mark Visentin would get the start in goal for the quarterfinal.
Not only did Visentin record a 20-save shutout win over the Swiss in the pre-tournament game, but Roy has done little to retain the starting job. His two biggest disappointments were against the two most talented teams Canada faced in Russia and Sweden. Swedish shooters found a lot of real estate over Roy’s shoulders and beneath the cross bar. Visentin is a bigger goaltender than Roy and will cover more of the net, particularly when he goes down.
What makes matters more intriguing is the fact a late goaltending change wound up costing Canada in last year’s tournament. Much like Roy, Jake Allen did not assert himself as one of the tournament’s top goaltenders and was eventually pulled, arguably too late, in the gold-medal game.
In 2008, when Canada last lost to Swedes in the round robin, Jonathan Bernier was usurped by Steve Mason. The former London Knight went on to become the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, after Canada beat the Swedes to win the gold.
Team Canada’s success will coincide with whether a goaltender, particularily Visentin today, can step up.
Can Niederreiter perform miracles?
Niederreiter came up big for the Swiss in last year’s tournament. He scored the game-tying goal against the Russians with just 32 seconds remaining in regulation of the quarterfinal, then scored the winner halfway through overtime. Canadian fans in Saskatoon were enamored with the eventual fifth-overall pick then, but will be hoping he can’t duplicate that mini-miracle in this game.
What made Switzerland’s rise so impressive in last year’s tournament was the fact their captain, Luca Sbisa, was injured. This only helps grow Niederreiter’s legend as a big-game performer.
Niederreiter is looking forward to going up against the Canadians and his Portland Winterhawk teammate, Ryan Johansen. The two discussed meeting at some point to have dinner in Buffalo, but Niederreiter said he was surprised not to have heard from Johansen since the tournament started. Don’t expect them to be going for dinner after this game.
How big will Zack Kassian’s return be for Canada?
Kassian will make his return after serving his two-game suspension following the head check on Czech Republic player Petr Senkerik. Kassian is one of the most developed players physically for his age and plays on the edge.
His absence was noted as Canada was outshot by the Swedes in their final round-robin game. Kassian cannot only produce offence, but more importantly, creates space with his intimidating presence. He forces the opposition to think about where he is at all times on the ice and punishes opposing players. Canada is without a doubt better with him in the lineup than in the press box. He will be able to counter the physical style of Swiss captain Niederreiter.
Can Benjamin Conz steal a game for the Swiss?
If the Swiss are to beat Canada, their goaltender will need to have his best performance.
Conz was one of many bright stories among the Cinderella Swiss in last year’s tournament, but hasn’t taken games over the same way this year. He would be the first to admit there is room for improvement, but that’s not to say he has struggled.
Conz’s best attribute is his drive and determination. He never gives up on a play and fights for every shot. He will see many of them against Canada and will need to stay cool under fire.
Anything less and his team won’t see the semis.
