Canada vs. Switzerland, take 2

Just in case you were thinking that the 2-0 loss to the Swiss yesterday would wake Team Canada up, think again. Another game featuring sloppy passing and poor defensive coverage has seen the world's #1 team drop to fourth place in the Group A standings.

The Finns, much more skilled than the Swiss, played an uptempo game with lots of physical play; they jumped out to a two-goal lead in the first period, and held it the rest of the way home. The Canadians did not do themselves any favours, as their lack of teamwork allowed for few scoring chances - when they did get an opportunity, goalie Antero Niittymaki was there to stymie the shooters. Having been shut out for the last two games in a row, Canada's offence is no less than snakebitten, as evidenced by Rick Nash's breakaway attempt being stopped, and several glorious opportunities fizzling as the puck slid away from the goal mouth, oh-so-close.

Part of the Canadians' woes with regards to teamwork could be blamed on coach Pat Quinn, whose penchant for line-juggling can't be helping the team's chemistry. The forwards need to learn their linemates' habits, which will make playmaking easier. They also need to trust their teammates more, both on offence and defence; that trust will lead to everyone being in the right position, making set plays more effective. At this point, the Canadians all seem to be looking for that glorious pass, or that spectacular one-man effort, and it just hasn't happened. The defencemen need to look for the quick, easy passes out of the zone instead of waiting for the long-bomb feed to become available, as they are now; the forwards need to pass it to their linemates with the intention of creating chances, not just to keep the play alive when the puck carrier is under pressure.

While good moments for the Canadians were few and far between in this game, a few players aquitted themselves well. Shane Doan showed great hustle on the penalty kill, throwing his weight around and landing some big hits. Rob Blake played a mistake-free game. Rick Nash, before he left in the third after being hit with a shot, also played fast and gritty, which is when he is at his best; he did, however, shoot right into Niittymaki's pads on his breakaway.

One of the quarterfinal matchups has already been determined: Finland (A1) will play the U.S. (B4) in the first game on Wednesday, at 10:30am ET (2:30pm in Torino). The rest of the seedings will be decided after Tuesday's games are finished, with the top spot in Group B still up for grabs, and the Swiss, Czechs and Canadians jostling for second place. All the teams have Monday off as the women play for the gold, and some of them - Canada especially - will need that day of rest to find the antidote to whatever is poisoning them.