Breathe, Canada….breathe.
Canada’s quarterfinals matchup against Latvia on Wednesday wound up being a lot closer than most sane people expected, with the two teams deadlocked at 1-1 until late in the third period. If that wasn’t enough to induce panic attacks all across The North (it was), check the GIF above.
The Canadians also came that close to taking a lead at one point in the third period. Latvian defenseman Kristaps Sotnieks was able to reach over his goaltender and make a great (and illegal) glove save to just barely keep the puck from crossing the goal line, preserving the 1-1 tie. The “save” should have earned Canada a penalty shot, but the refs missed the call and Canada had to overcome the hurdle.
Fortunately – at least for the well-being of the country – Shea Weber was able to blast home a slapper from the point with just over five minutes left in the third, putting Canada up 2-1, which would ultimately become the game’s final score.
Canada and Team USA will face off in the semi-finals on Friday with a spot in the gold medal game on the line.
About Pete Blackburn