We are outraged over the loss, our anger and frustration will go out over them (Sweden), says assistant captain Ryan O'Reilly, goal scorer for Canada in the penalty shootout loss to Finland, 1–2.
A loss that came despite a 1–0 lead and 37–20 in shots on goal.
Superstar Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado forward, missed a penalty shot and drew a roughing penalty for fighting.
Afterwards, he gets a question what he thought about the referees Mikael Holm, Sweden) and Jan Hribik, Czech Republic.
Terrible. We had the puck the whole game but only got one power play. Why are you asking, are you from Finland? he wonders and storms off when he gets an affirmative answer.
Blue and yellow advantage
The Canadian loss means that Sweden has an advantage ahead of tonight's group final with a two-point lead in the table.
A single point is enough for group victory and an easier way in the quarterfinal.
Canada must take a three-pointer to go past and win the group.
Moreover, Sweden has had two rest days while Canada comes directly from the loss against Finland.
It will be a tough challenge, but we shift focus now. We know that Sweden is a good team that works hard and has skill. We need to raise ourselves, but it will be a good atmosphere and a fun match, says O'Reilly, who has won two World Championship titles and one Stanley Cup title.
"Knew the risk existed"
Even if Canada were to win the group, the team risks having to travel to Herning and play the quarterfinal if Denmark becomes fourth in the other group.
We knew the risk was there, but it's not something we worry about. It's not ideal, but that can happen in the World Championship. Our focus is to come back and make a good match against Sweden, says O'Reilly.
The only one who didn't show any frustration or anger was legend and captain Sidney Crosby, 37.
We had almost 40 shots on goal, created a lot of chances. We need to finish better when we get the chances, says he.
Sweden–Canada at 8:20 PM.
The playoffs can come to be decided in two different ways depending on whether Denmark goes to the quarterfinal or not.
This since Sweden and Denmark are to play their quarterfinals at home.
+ In the event of a Swedish group victory and Denmark eliminated...
Then Sweden will face the fourth in the other group, currently Germany.
+ In the event of a group victory and Denmark advancing...
Then Sweden will face the fourth in their own group. Latvia, Austria, and Slovakia will then be opponents for Tre Kronor.
+ In the event of a second place in the group...
Then Sweden will face the third in the other group, Switzerland, Czech Republic, or USA.
