Instant classic. That's the only way to describe North America's 4-3 overtime winner over Sweden on Wednesday. If you watched the game with someone who isn't a hockey fan and they came away from the game saying they didn't like the sport, tell them they crazy. In a contest that a bit of everything - brilliant playmaking, spectacular saves, some controversial penalties - it took an unreal goal, showing silky hands by Nathan MacKinnon to win the game.
Two different looks at the game-winner:
another look at MacKinnon's winner pic.twitter.com/NCU00XOW4y
— Stephanie (@myregularface) September 21, 2016
Nathan MacKinnon, HANDS! pic.twitter.com/cUugMtafzL
— Marina Molnar (@mkmolnar) September 21, 2016
Despite the loss, Henrik Lundqvist showed he is back at the top of his game. His 36-save shutout of Finland on Tuesday, followed by 45 saves Wednesday were evidence of that. Some of the stops he had to make were ridiculous. One in overtime, in which he robbed Connor McDavid is directly below:
Lundqvist stones McDavid for the win, oh my god. pic.twitter.com/fHOMwCnG1a
— Marina Molnar (@mkmolnar) September 21, 2016
The only downside of this game is that it wasn't a final. In addition, North America now needs Finland to beat Russia for them to advance to the semi-finals. With the point, Sweden won the bracket by going 2-0-1 and will face the loser of Canada-Europe, which at press time was 2-0 after one period. If you ask almost anyone, they will admit to rooting for Finland, just so we can see Team North America again, especially if they match up against Canada. The skill level on that squad is insane, and maybe, just maybe, several of the US players on that team will rescue Team USA in future international competitions.
Graphical Representation of Game:
The swings in this game are the wildest I've seen so far. pic.twitter.com/AwVla5J2V3
— Micah Blake McCurdy (@IneffectiveMath) September 21, 2016
Very tight all round but Stralman-Hedman got roughed up some. (!) pic.twitter.com/lT6FmO5Rez
— Micah Blake McCurdy (@IneffectiveMath) September 21, 2016
Kruger line got the job on the McDavid line and mostly had the upper hand. pic.twitter.com/KyycnhkJ83
— Micah Blake McCurdy (@IneffectiveMath) September 21, 2016
Sorry, there were more shots on goal than I expected and the game winner against Hank doesn't quite catch the paper. pic.twitter.com/tJeAxaet0A
— Micah Blake McCurdy (@IneffectiveMath) September 21, 2016
The round robins were fun. The semi-finals might even be a step above. Canada-Sweden or Team North America against whoever would be special. Looking forward to seeing what the next-week plus brings.