CANADA STAYS PERFECT WITH WIN OVER GERMANY

by Alan Adams

KANATA, ON – P.K. Subban knew the Canadians needed a jolt and that's what he gave them.

With the Canadians leading by one over a stubborn German team early in the third period, Subban (Toronto, ON/Belleville, OHL) picked up the puck deep in the Canadian end and headed up ice with a full head of steam on an end-to-end rush.

The Montreal Canadiens prospect snapped a quick shot that goalie Philipp Grubauer turned aside, but Evander Kane (Vancouver, BC/Vancouver, WHL) deposited the rebound to send Canada off on a three-goal third period en route to a 5-1 victory at the 2009 IIHF World Junior Championship on Sunday.

"We needed a boost," said Subban, who was also the workhorse on Canada's second goal.

Canada plays the United States on Wednesday night in a much-awaited New Year’s Eve match-up and a win by the four-time defending gold medalists would secure a berth in the semifinals.

"I think the boys will be ready to play," said Canadian head coach Pat Quinn.

The Canadian power play has been an effective weapon thus far at the World Juniors and it clicked four times against the Germans, with Zach Boychuk (Airdrie, AB/Lethbridge, WHL) scoring twice and Jamie Benn (Victoria, BC/Kelowna, WHL) and John Tavares (Oakville, ON/Oshawa, OHL) each adding a single goal when Canada had the man advantage.

Tavares’ third-period marker was his fifth goal and tournament-leading ninth point. Four of his goals have come with the man advantage.

The German juniors represented the toughest competition the Canadians have faced so far in the tournament, icing six players who play in the Canadian Hockey League including Grubauer, who is a member of the Belleville Bulls of the Ontario Hockey League.

Chet Pickard (Winnipeg, MB/Tri-City, WHL) got the start in goal and was solid in getting his second victory, making 12 saves. Monday was a big day for the Pickard family – younger brother Calvin got the victory in West’s 4-2 victory over Quebec at the 2009 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Port Alberni, BC.

Quinn said no decision has been made on whether it will be Pickard or Dustin Tokarski (Watson, SK/Spokane, WHL) who gets the start in the game against the Americans.

It was also announced after the game that Prime Minister Stephen Harper will pay a visit to the Canadian room on Tuesday to meet the players and pose for a team picture.