World Cup 2016: Canada Overwhelms Czech Republic

Stop me if this is breaking news, but Team Canada is really freaking good. Nobody should mistake the Czech Republic roster for an all-star team, but Canada made the Czechs look silly right from the start. Backed by solid goaltending from Montreal Canadiens netminder Carey Price, the Canadian crew blew out the Czech Republic 6-0 in each team's opening game in the 2016 World Cup. Price's 27 saves were impressive in their own right, but the story of the night was the offensive onslaught from Canada's collection of NHL All-Stars.

The game started well enough for Czech Republic. At one point in the 1st period, they held a 6-1 lead in scoring chances. Price was solid early, though, and Canada began its onslaught midway through the 1st period. A Patrice Bergeron goal at the buzzer sent Canada to the dressing room with a 3-0 lead at the 1st intermission. Czech goaltender Michael Neuvirth did all he could to help his team stay in the game, but the Canadians were just too much.

Canada's attack was led by (who else?) team captain and Pittsburgh Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby. Crosby scored one goal and assisted on two others. In all, 12 different Canadian players recorded points in the game. The highlight of the night for Avs fans came in the 2nd period when Matt Duchene held the puck in along the boards, then kicked off a pretty tic-tac-toe sequence with Crosby that led to a Joe Thornton goal. Canadian head coach Mike Babcock mixed his lines throughout the night, which is a luxury that few, if any, other teams in the tournament will have. Team Canada is tied with Team Europe (ugh, seriously, USA?) atop the Group A standings after the first night of tournament play.

Goalscorers

Czech Republic: None

Canada: Alex Pietrangelo, Brad Marchand, Joe Thornton, Jonathon Toews, Sidney Crosby, Patrice Bergeron

Goaltenders

Czech Republic: Michael Neuvirth (44 saves)

Canada: Carey Price (27 saves, shutout)

Avs Spotlight

Czech Republic: None

Canada: Matt Duchene (0 goals, 1 assist, +1, 2 PIM)

Up Next

Czech Republic vs. Europe, 1 PM MST, Monday (ESPN)

Canada vs. USA, 6 PM MST, Tuesday (ESPN)