CANADA ELIMINATED FROM OLYMPICS IN 2-0 LOSS TO RUSSIA

Many forecasters had Canada and Russia facing off for gold at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games. Wednesday’s quarter-final game did have the feel of a gold medal game, as the two longtime rivals faced off. And in many ways, the quarter-final round is has all the drama of the gold medal game. After all, the team that comes up short is done for the 2006 Olympics.

In the early going of the game, Canada set a physical tone, as Jarome Iginla came in hard on a forecheck and pasted Danil Markov. But the chances were hard to come by on both sides. Canada had an early power play, but was unable to score. It’s best chance came early, as Rob Blake’s slapshot was handled by Evgeni Nabakov.

Russia followed with good pressure over two consecutive power plays, as Alexander Ovechkin was particularly dangerous. Their best chance may have come on a Fedor Tyutin shot from the point, that Brodeur managed to catch. The first period finished scoreless with Russia outshooting Canada 11-7.

After killing off a penalty, Canada had their best chance to score. The puck came to Martin St-Louis on the off-wing, but Nabakov just got his pad out time to kick it away.

Russia was back on the man advantage a few minutes later, but the best scoring chance was to Jarome Iginla who went in two on one with Joe Sakic, but Nabokov made the save. With two of the most potent offenses, on paper, in the building, the game remained scoreless through forty minutes of play.

After numerous power play opportunities in the game, the Russian finally cashed in during the third period, as Alexander Ovechkin was left wide open in front, and Brodeur had no chance. At 1:30 of the third, Russia takes a 1-0 lead.

Canada had good pressure at times, and had a power play late in the game. Brad Richards had a great chance with Nabokov sprawled out, but he couldn’t find an open man. Alexei Kovalev added a late goal as Canada was pulling all the stops on offense, and Russia moves on to the semi-finals with a 2-0 win.

Canada is unable to defend its Olympic gold medal in Turin, and will return home empty-handed.

Joe Sakic: "It's hard to explain.  I think the confidence was there, but we were just too tentative and didn't generate on the inside."

Adam Foote: "All these games are kind of a final.  There is no room for errors as soon as you get on the ice.  All teams are aware.   That's the way it is."