It’s Kopitar vs Doughty in the World Cup Final
- Updated: September 28, 2016
Anze Kopitar and his Cinderella Team Europe battled against Drew Doughty and his heavily favored Team Canada in game one of the 2016 World Cup of Hockey Final, and even tough Team Europe played their best overall game so far in this tournament, Canada still found a way to squeak out a 3-1 victory and lead the best 2 out of 3 game series, 1-0.
Team Europe almost scored within the first twenty seconds of the game when Kopitar fed a pass to Tomas Tatar and Canadian goalie Carey Price had to scramble to make the save. As strong and determined as the Europeans were in this game, (and the better team for at least half of it), Canada was just as opportunistic, as they capitalized on their opponents mistakes on all 3 of their goals by Brad Marchand, Steven Stamkos and Patrice Bergeron. Captain Sidney Crosby had 2 assists.
(Kopitar wins the face-off against Crosby)
Unlike their previous games in this tournament, where Canada had been dominant and looking unbeatable, they were sloppy in this game and gave up far too many turnovers. Luckily Price, Doughty and the rest of Canada’s defensive core were able to save their hides when needed. Price finished the game with 32 saves.
(Doughty and Price)
It never seemed that Canada was able to, (or willing to) shift into second gear. Then again, that also shows how powerful and talented this Canadian squad really is. Team Europe was by far the stronger and hungrier team in this game, but yet Canada, even when not at their best, still find a way to win.
(Canada had a hard time containing Captain Kopitar)
Europe was able to get one back when “Kopi” helped set up Tatar again, this time for a goal to get his team back into it. Kopitar finished the game with one assist, a plus 1, was 52% in the face-off circle (against Crosby, Jonathan Toews and Bergeron), and had 22:45 of total ice-time.
(That’s right, you follow your leader!)
“Kopi” was a total beast out there but was missing his fellow Kings’ teammate Marian Gaborik, who suffered a foot injury in the Semi-Final game against Sweden and will now be out for the rest of the tournament, (and 8 weeks in total, which means, no “Gabbo” until November for the Kings. Ugh!) Kopitar had very few encounters with Doughty in this game, but he did get to check “Dewy” against the boards at one point in the 3rd period, (and it almost gave me a heart attack). Luckily, neither one of them, (or me) was hurt.
(When Kings collide!)
Doughty, also had a strong game, finishing with a plus 2 and 20:37 of total ice time. He also crushed Frans Nielson with a wicked hip check, showing why he is the reigning Norris Trophy winner and the best overall defenseman in the NHL today.
Notes – The World Cup was in the house and it got a face lift! I have to admit it looks a little cooler than it did back in 2004, (which was cooler than that weird cylinder thing they called the World Cup back in 1996), but I’m still not a fan of the overall design of the … um … Cup. It looks like the Stanley Cup on crack and wrapped up in clear bubble wrap. Sigh.
– “The Great One” Wayne Gretzky was also in the house and it was announced the he has become the NHL’ s Centennial Ambassador, which really is about time. It’s good to see the greatest of them all back where he belongs in the NHL. Hopefully he and Commissioner Gary Bettman can get along and play nice. With Gretzky as the Ambassador, look for him to be at the 2017 NHL All-Star Game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Many legends of the sport will be attending as well as the NHL will be revealing their list of the 100 greatest players of all-time, (and I’m pretty sure that it is going to be Gretzky at number 1. If not, then it’s really gonna get really awkward really fast between him and Bettman again).
Speaking of “The Great One,” I finally got to meet him briefly. As most of you all know, Gretzky and Luc Robitaille were my 1a and 1b favorite hockey players of all time since I was a child. I was fortunate enough to meet Luc (and take a selfie with him very nervously) at last year’s Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and at the Fan Village festivities for the World Cup of Hockey in Toronto, ON, I was present at a special Q&A that Gretzky had with Canada’s Sportsnet and was able to get the greatest fist bump of all time from the greatest that the sport of hockey has ever seen.
After the epic fist bump, I was so starstruck that I completely forgot how to hold a camera, but decided to keep filming and ask Wayne if he had ever been to my hometown? His answer blew my mind.
He perfectly (and proudly) mentioned the three boroughs that make up my hometown of Cambridge, Ontario, which shouldn’t be a surprise as Wayne was born and raised in nearby Brantford, ON, (like literally, the house that Gretzky grew up in is only a 15 minute drive, door to door, to the house that I grew up in so … WE WERE BASICALLY NEIGHBORS!!!) This was an experience and a memory that I will cherish and remember forever. Thank you Great One!
Doughty and Team Canada will face Kopitar and Team Europe for game 2 of the 2016 World Cup of Hockey this Thursday at 5 pm pst/8 pm est and I will be there for CaliSports News to cover it LIVEEE ….. SO STAY TUNED!!!!!
*Special thanks to Johnny Bairos, Dee Bairos, Tony Bairos, Theresa Walsh Duarte, Faye Walsh, Mario Hicks and “The Great One” Wayne Gretzky for their help with this article.
Stay with us at Calisportsnews.com as we will keep you up-to-date on all things Los Angeles Kings the rest of the LA sports teams! All Cali, all the time!
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2 Comments
About Jeff Duarte
Faye Howell Walsh
September 29, 2016 at 8:36 am
Jeff, again it was amazing, plus I am so happy that you met The Great One. I am happy that your dream came true. Keep up the great job, and can’t wait to read some more articles.
Jeff Duarte
October 10, 2016 at 8:54 am
Thank you Faye!