Canada outshoots Norway 38-20 for the game. Patrice Bergeron registers two assists on the night and the Canadians seemed to gain momentum and familiarity as the game wore on.
A noble effort by Norway, who were severely outmanned but stayed within striking distance for the balance of the game.
The Kunitz - Crosby - Carter line did not make much of an impression in the game, but they will get another chance on Friday against Austria.
Are you happy with Canada's effort against Norway????
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Goals come fast and furious early in the third, as Carey Price gives up the puck behind the net during a Norwegian power play, Mathis Olimb's shot that appeared to be deflected by Patrick Thoresen into the goal to cut the lead to 2-1 just 22 seconds into the third, but Drew Doughty reestablished Canada's two goal lead just 1:25 later, weaving through Norway's defensive zone coverage and shooting a backhander past Haugen.
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Canada getting all their offense from their fourth line, as Jamie Benn scores to make it 2-0. Benn fired a wrister at point blank range past Haugen's blocker and inside the post. Canada has outshot Norway 13-0 in the second. Drew Doughty and Bergeron with the assists.
Canada was dominant in the middle frame, outshooting Norway 14-1.
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Just as some nerves were starting to frazzle, Team Canada finally gets one by Lars Haugen, as Shea Weber's point shot beats the Norwegian goaltender for the opening goal at 6:20 of the second period. Patrice Bergeron and Duncan Keith had the assists.
Canada nearly made it 2-0 as a shot deflected by Jonathan Toews got past Haugen but went off the left post.
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Canada outshoots Norway 9-8 in the opening period, but the game remains scoreless. Ryan Getzlaf takes a late tripping call and the Norwegians get a couple good chances but could not beat Carey Price.
The only concern for Canada is that Norway could grow in confidence as long as the game remains scoreless, but their overwhelming talent advantage should come through in the remaining 40 minutes.
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Almost 12 minutes in, the game is scoreless, quick paced and expectedly scrambly. Canada looks like a team that is getting used to playing with each other.
Defenseman Ole-Kristian Tollefsen laid a solid hit on Canada's John Tavares, which was followed by Norway's first good scoring chance by former NHLer Patrick Thoresen. Norway drew the first penalty for too-many-men, but Canada's power play was largely ineffective.
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The long wait is over, as Team Canada plays their first game of the 2014 Winter Olympics against Norway at the Bolshoy Ice Dome in Sochi, Russia.
Head coach Mike Babcock will go with 13 forwards and seven defensemen and will start Carey Price in goal against Norway, who has only one NHL player(NY Rangers forward Mats Zuccarello) in their lineup.
The scratches for today's contest are goaltender Mike Smith, forward Matt Duchene and defenseman PK Subban, but it is likely that Duchene, Subban and Thursday's backup Roberto Luongo will be in the lineup on Friday against Austria.
Forwards Lines
Kunitz - Crosby - Carter Nash - Toews - Sharp Perry - Getzlaf - Marleau Benn - Tavares - Bergeron Extra Forward - St. Louis
Defensive Pairings
Keith - Weber Bouwmeester - Pietrangelo Vlasic - Doughty Extra Defenseman - Hamhuis
Goalie
Price Luongo
Will be providing comments and updates while the game progresses.
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