Canada squeaks past Norway

On Monday, Canada played another game that was much closer than it should have been, but they still emerged with three standings points by outlasting Norway 4-2. They are guaranteed a trip to the elimination round, and they are also guaranteed a high seed.

Like the Germans before them, the Norwegians have no NHL players on their roster, and they are a country that does not have a rich history in IIHF play. Last year, they finished 11th at the IIHF World Championships. Their best finish ever was 10th place in 2000 tournament. They've also spent five of the last ten years playing in "Division I" with the likes of hockey powerhouses such as United Kingdom, France, and China.

Canada, who was considered to be a favorite in this tournament, is not looking so good. They struggled against Germany. They struggled against Norway. Neither is a test for them. On Wednesday, they'll face a "real" opponent in Slovakia. Slovakia won the tournament in 2002, and has not finished lower than 9th in the past 10 years. It has never been demoted to "Division I" with Japan and Norway and South Africa.

Which Canada will show up on Wednesday? The one who struggles to get past vastly inferior opponents, or the one who is a prohibitive favorite? What will happen to them when they have to play much stronger opponents in elimination play?
Are they sandbagging?

Anyway, Justin "Viva" Williams had a goal, and Cam Ward was in nets for the win.

Team USA meets Czech Republic for a huge game on Tuesday.

In NHL play, the Sens have taken a 2-1 series lead over the Devils and the Sharks have taken the same lead over Detroit