Team Canada may make another change before Finland, echoes Oilers biggest problem

Team Canada’s hockey squad, while one of the most formidable forces on the international stage, continues to face challenges, especially as they prepare for their next big matchup against Finland. With the competition getting tougher and the stakes higher, the Canadian team is under pressure to make strategic changes to optimize its performance. As they take on Finland, one of the premier teams in international hockey, Canada’s management is looking closely at their current roster, strategy, and gameplan. In this context, there are calls for possible adjustments or even personnel changes to ensure that the team can compete at the highest level.

The game against Finland is not just a routine match; it holds significant importance in terms of team positioning, momentum, and securing a top spot in the tournament. Canada cannot afford any slip-ups, especially after the recent performance of their squad in previous games. And as much as Canada has long been the gold standard in world hockey, even they must confront their internal issues—some of which mirror challenges faced by NHL teams, such as the Edmonton Oilers.

One glaring parallel between Team Canada’s situation and the struggles of the Edmonton Oilers is a familiar theme: depth. While both teams boast star-studded lineups, there’s an underlying concern about how well-rounded they are as a unit. Just as the Oilers have struggled with their defensive consistency, balance, and finding secondary scoring options behind their superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, Team Canada has similar problems in its international games. Both teams’ problems stem from an overreliance on their marquee players and the lack of complementary depth.

This article delves into what changes Team Canada could make before their pivotal game against Finland and how the situation echoes some of the Edmonton Oilers’ ongoing issues in the NHL.

Team Canada’s Current Struggles

To understand why Team Canada might need to make changes before facing Finland, it’s essential to evaluate the current state of the team. Canada has not been performing at the level expected from them in recent games, despite having some of the best players in the world. The team’s offensive firepower is undeniable, but there have been moments where that wasn’t enough to secure victories. The defensive zone coverage has been inconsistent, and special teams, particularly the penalty kill and power play, have lacked the sharpness that we usually associate with Canada.

Lack of Depth and Secondary Scoring

One of Team Canada’s primary issues has been the lack of consistent scoring from players beyond the top lines. While players like Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, and Nathan MacKinnon undoubtedly bring elite-level talent, international tournaments require contributions from every player on the roster. Team Canada’s inability to generate offense consistently from the secondary lines has placed undue pressure on their top stars.

Similarly, the Edmonton Oilers have faced similar struggles, with a heavy reliance on McDavid and Draisaitl to do most of the scoring. While both are capable of producing at an astronomical rate, hockey is a team sport, and a one-dimensional offense is not sustainable, especially against top-tier competition like Finland.

Canada’s bottom-six forwards have failed to create the necessary offensive balance. This means that the team’s reliance on a handful of players to produce goals has left them vulnerable. The absence of contributions from secondary scorers and depth players has hindered Canada’s ability to close out games, especially against teams like Finland, who are known for their balanced, team-oriented approach to hockey. If Canada can’t find a way to get secondary production, they may struggle to overcome the defensive-minded Finland squad.

Defensive Vulnerabilities

On the defensive side of things, Canada has had its issues as well. Despite the presence of some of the best defensemen in the world, including players like Cale Makar and Shea Weber, there have been lapses in coverage that have led to goals against. The defensive zone awareness has been shaky, and this has created scoring opportunities for opponents. Against Finland, a team known for its disciplined and structured style of play, these types of mistakes are magnified.

In particular, Canada’s penalty kill and defensive transition have been areas of concern. At times, their defensemen have struggled with puck management, giving up the puck in dangerous situations or failing to clear the zone effectively. This has allowed opponents to build momentum and sustain offensive pressure. Much like the Oilers, who have faced criticism for inconsistent goaltending and defensive breakdowns, Team Canada will need to shore up their defensive play if they are to have success in high-pressure games against teams like Finland.

Goaltending Concerns

While Canada has world-class goaltending options, including players like Carey Price and Jordan Binnington, there have been moments in recent games where goaltending hasn’t been as consistent as expected. Goaltenders have faced challenges with rebound control and positioning, which has contributed to some soft goals. Against Finland, who is known for its efficient and strategic approach to scoring, any weakness in the crease will be heavily exploited.

What Changes Could Team Canada Make?

With these issues in mind, Team Canada’s management is likely looking at possible changes before facing Finland. Let’s take a look at some of the adjustments that might be made to rectify the situation and improve their chances of victory.

1. Balancing the Lines for Better Secondary Scoring

One of the most important changes that Canada needs to consider is balancing out the offensive lines. The top players like McDavid, Crosby, and MacKinnon have delivered, but the rest of the team hasn’t been able to pick up the slack. Team Canada could look to reassign some players, either by moving players from the top lines to the bottom six or creating better synergy between the lines. A more balanced attack would keep the pressure off the top players, preventing them from being overworked, and increase the likelihood of secondary scoring.

In this regard, adding some more depth players with a nose for the net could help. Players who have shown promise in limited roles or during exhibition games should be given a shot to play with more skilled linemates, allowing their natural talents to shine. Canada can also look to place more emphasis on playing a physical, gritty style in their bottom six, which could disrupt the opposing defense and open up more chances for scoring.

2. Defensive Adjustments and Better Zone Coverage

Defensively, Canada will need to tighten up their play in the neutral and defensive zones. They have the players capable of doing so, but there needs to be more consistency in their approach to clearing the puck, battling for position in front of the net, and getting bodies in shooting lanes. Canada could implement a more structured defensive gameplan and use the players at their disposal to form a more cohesive unit.

This might mean tweaking pairings on defense or shifting some defensive responsibilities. In a high-stakes match against Finland, one or two breakdowns could result in goals, and Canada will need to minimize those errors. Better defensive zone awareness and team defense will be key if Canada is to neutralize Finland’s attack, which relies heavily on precision and teamwork.

3. Goaltending Stability

In goal, Canada has reliable options, but it may be time for coach Gerard Gallant and the team’s staff to make a decision on who will get the start in net for the Finland game. Both Price and Binnington are talented goaltenders, but their recent performances have been inconsistent. A definitive starter for the Finland game could help Canada establish some stability and confidence in net, as goaltending will undoubtedly be a factor in a tight, low-scoring game against a team like Finland.

4. Emphasizing Special Teams

Special teams, particularly the power play and penalty kill, are crucial in international competition. Canada has the talent to dominate in these areas, but they’ve been erratic at times. A key change could be refining their power-play strategies and ensuring that the team is executing crisp passes, maintaining puck possession, and finishing opportunities when they arise. On the penalty kill, it may be time to adopt a more aggressive approach to pressure the puck carriers and limit Finland’s chances to set up their power-play setups.

The Oilers’ Biggest Problem: A Mirror Image

The situation facing Team Canada mirrors many of the challenges that the Edmonton Oilers have struggled with in the NHL, especially when it comes to their lack of depth and defensive inconsistencies. The Oilers’ reliance on McDavid and Draisaitl has been well-documented, and much like Canada, their secondary players have been inconsistent in their ability to provide scoring and support.

In addition, just as Canada has defensive lapses, the Oilers have long been criticized for their inability to maintain defensive structure, giving up too many high-danger scoring chances. The Oilers have taken steps to improve their defense and overall team play, but these struggles remain an issue that holds them back from achieving their full potential, much like how Canada’s depth and defensive issues have affected their recent performances.