Canada Opens With A Win

Team Canada opened up the 2012 Canada-Russia Challenge with a 3-2 win in Yaroslavl this afternoon.

Dougie Hamilton scored what proved to be the game-winner on a power play late in the second period. Sean Monahan and Scott Harrington also scored for Canada. Anton Selpyshev and Nail Yakupov scored for Russia.

Malcolm Subban made 26 saves for the win. Canada outshot Russia 28-21.

Jonathan Huberdeau had a pretty good game, creating a few scoring chances. He assisted on Harrington’s second period goal. The Sea Dogs captain wore an ‘A’ on his sweater.

Brendan Ross of The Hockey Writers thought Huberdeau could have played better.

“The tremendously skilled Huberdeau had a so-so game today but he was too much an individual at times today,” writes Ross. “On ensuring powerplays, Huberdeau opted to dangle the opposition at the blue line rather than simply moving the puck to an open teammate and both times it resulted in a Canadian turnover.”

The Hockey Canada website has a scoring summary and recap. TSN has highlights.

Game 2 is tomorrow at 11 am Atlantic on TSN2.