Canada Reigns Supreme In Sochi

Toews opens the scoring for Team Canada (NHL)

Toews opens the scoring for Team Canada (NHL)

Team Canada has repeated as Olympic Gold Medalists and captured their 9th Gold Medal in history.

Jonathan Toews, Sidney Crosby and Chris Kunitz all scored to give Canada the victory. Only Russia comes close with 7. Sweden was overmatched from the drop of the puck, when it was announced earlier that Nicklas Backstrom would not play due to migraines. Yahoo Sports has broken that he wasn’t allowed to play due to a banned substance (most likely cold medicine).

THE KING STANDS ALONE

Henrik Lundqvist did all he could to keep Sweden in it, but to no avail. Without Henrik Sedin who could not even make the trip and the losses of both Zetterberg and Backstrom, they stood little chance. The King finished this tournament with a 5-1 record. He entered the game with a 1.20 GAA and a .951 save percentage. If the NHL doesn’t participate in 2018, he walks away from Olympic play with a 12-3 record, 1.80 GAA, .926 SV%, 1 Gold and 1 Silver medal! (As per Michael Rappaport on Twitter)

THE GOLDEN RANGER

Rick Nash had maybe the quietest tourney of any Ranger Olympian and comes home with a Gold Medal. Nash was the consummate teammate as he killed penalties and contributed in any way they needed. ESPN’s Pierre Lebrun wrote that Nash didn’t even think he would make it. “Yeah, my expectations weren’t too high, I had an injury and wasn’t having the best season. But Steve [Yzerman] called me and said they believed in my game and trusted me as a player from my past. They put a lot of trust in me and I was honored by that.” It paid off for Canada and Rick Nash.

THE SPEEDY RANGER

Carl Hagelin scored 2 goals and showed what he can do on the big stage. Hags wasn’t outrageous, but he wasn’t fazed by the pressure. He consistently used his speed to generate chances and win puck battles. This should bode well for his future professional career and the Rangers in the playoffs.

LET THE NHL SEASON RESUME

On Tuesday, the season will resume with the Rangers back in action at MSG versus the Chicago Blackhawks. Many assume that Cam Talbot will get the start, however I believe it will be Lundqvist. Rick Nash will look to build off this experience and resume his normal role as a top line forward.

Ryan McDonagh will be continue his All-World play as should Carl Hagelin. The most interesting story line is Ryan Callahan and his contract situation. Glen Sather seems hell bent that he will trade any Ranger impending UFA if they do not sign by March 5th. Let’s see what happens.

Anthony Scultore has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL since 2014. His work also appears at... More about Anthony Scultore

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