On to the semis

While I'm avoiding "After Forty Minutes", I figured I'd take a minute to post an update on the IIHF World Men's Championship in Latvia.

Canada faced Slovakia in the quarterfinals today and, after being tested for the first two periods, exploded for three quick goals in the 3rd period to take the game 4 - 1.

The Canadian coaches have been preaching defence first and, apart from the breakdown against the Czechs, the Canadians have been strong in their own end. What is encouraging is that, when they need to, they can turn it on offensively as well. This is not really a surprise given the lineup they have.

As has been the case all tournament long, Crosby and Bergeron have been leading the charge. They are both tied at the top of the tournament leaderboard with 13 points. I can't wait to see these two matching up with Ovechkin and Malkin in 2010 in Vancouver.

Canada faces the Swedes in the semi-finals on Saturday. The Olympic champions have a strong team and they easily ousted the Americans today as they routed them 6 - 0. I hope that the "Phil Kessel is the next Sidney Crosby" talk will stop now.