In search of gold

EDMONTON, Alta. -- The most anticipated annual hockey tournament is upon us.

Team Canada will look to take the first step in avenging back-to-back gold-medal defeats with the tournament opener against an underrated squad from Finland. Canada beat the Finns 3-1 in a pre-tournament exhibition in Calgary on Dec. 19. Canada went on to beat Switzerland 7-1 three nights later then lost 5-3 to Sweden on Dec. 23. The Finns beat Slovakia in their only other tune-up game.

Canada lost in last year's gold-medal game to the Russians 5-3 after leading 3-0 heading into the third period. Finland finished a disappointing sixth in Buffalo, N.Y., losing a quarterfinal to the eventual champion Russians, whom they led late in the third period.

Both teams will be looking for redemption and it starts with an intriguing matchup.

Can Canada's offence improve against Finland?

Both team's first exhibition game left room for improvement, but the Canadian squad didn't click offensively as one might hope against the Finns. Finland is led by two excellent goalkeepers in Christopher Gibson and Sami Aittokallio, both of whom played in the tune-up game on Dec. 19.

Based on exhibition play, all indications are that Canada may rely on a scoring-by-committee offence, headlined by Brandon Wheat Kings sniper Mark Stone. All these players are stars in their own rights on their junior teams, and each has the ability to score.

Some players left something to be desired early in their tenure. Much more will be expected from the recently injured Jonathan Huberdeau, Ryan Strome and Brett Connolly. These three may need a quick start.

Will Finland's dynamic duo create havoc for Canada?

The Finnish combination of Mikael Granlund and Teemu Pulkkinen is well-known in international play. The duo is blessed with speed, skill and creativity, and is the dangerous weapon the Finns will rely on due to their familiarity and chemistry with each other. Granlund is a world-class setup man while Pulkkinen is a pure goalscorer.

Pulkkinen scored Finland's only goal in Canada's 3-1 win.

It will be a matter of respecting their abilities, but not the point of giving them much time or space for Canada. Granlund and Pulkkinen are strong on the transition and even better at finding open space in the offensive zone. Canada will need to be aware of their presence on the ice at all times and maintain a tight gap between the forwards and the defencemen. Any neutral zone turnovers could end up in the back of their net with this duo on the ice.

Will a Canadian goaltender step up?

The man standing in the Canadian crease has long since been a debatable subject in this tournament. Two years ago, it was the inconsistent play of Jake Allen that left fans holding their breath in Saskatoon, Sask. Last year, it was the combination of Mark Visentin and Olivier Roy.

Visentin is back and presumably as Canada's starter this time around after playing all three medal round games in Buffalo. Consistency is a major concern, since Visentin couldn't find much of it in league play with the Niagara IceDogs. He hasn't looked much better in tune-up games, and was pulled in Canada's 5-3 loss to Sweden.

Whether it's Visentin or incumbent Scott Wedgewood, one of these goaltenders needs to instill confidence in his teammates sooner than later. The team appeared to play better with Wedgewood in goal while Visentin struggled to inspire the same confidence.

Can a Finnish goaltender steal the game?

Finland isn't short on star power, but they don't possess the same depth as their adversaries. As such, much will be relied on their goaltender, whether it's Gibson or Aittokallio. Gibson was the third goaltender chosen in last summer's draft and is having another strong season with Chicoutimi in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

Both goaltenders have good size and are strong on their angles, allowing the puck to come to them. Their rebound control is strong, as is their composure. Both seem to instill the confidence in their teammates that spreads throughout the lineup.

Can Finland be a bracket-buster?

As in any year, the game on New Year's Eve is considered by many as the deciding factor in which teams will win each group. Canada will play the Americans in a game most anticipate could determine which team gets the bye to the semis.

Finland is a true sleeper in Pool B. Had it not been for the late heroics of Evgeny Kuznetsov for Russia in last year's quarterfinal, the Finns would have played for a medal in last year's tournament. Finland is underappreciated and floating well below the radar, which makes them a dangerous team. This game is much more important than most fans might realize.