Canada formed a terrible chain - the coach admitted directly: "We're scaring"

MILANO.

Canada has plenty of options in its lineup.

Earlier in the Olympics, head coach Jon Cooper combined the so-called three Mac super line: Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Macklin Celebrini. The results have been impressive.

In the semifinals against Finland, Cooper formed a different super line, referred to as the rat line in North American media: Sam Bennett in the center and Tom Wilson and Brad Marchand on the wings.

There’s not much respect for the opponent, and they have to keep their heads up at all times. Perhaps tellingly, in the opening period, Bennett drove into the Lions’ goalie Juuse Saros. Canada’s 2-2 goal was preceded by Marchand’s drive into Saros.

– When we get put together, it’s pretty clear what our job is. We create chaos, Wilson commented after the game.

– You don’t have to think too much about it; it’s very straightforward. We just try to make the opponent’s life as difficult as possible.

Cooper said he had been considering forming this line earlier. Now was the right time for it.

– They affect the game in a completely different way than the Macs, but they are just as effective, Cooper said.

– It’s not always about how many scoring chances you create or how many goals you score. Sometimes it’s about how you wear down the opponent, intimidate them, and prepare the game for the next line.

It’s very possible that in the final against the United States, the rat line will occasionally play against the Tkachuk brothers.

Jaakko Perttilä
X: @JaakkoPerttila