Hockey Canada began the road to PyeongChang on Wednesday, defeating Switzerland, 3-2, in its opening matchup at the Karjala Cup in Helsinki, Finland.
It looked at first as if Canada's struggle to find the back of the net would linger. Canada totaled nine shots in the first period but couldn't find a solution to beat Swiss goaltender Jonas Hiller, who bolted to the Swiss Hockey League in 2016 after seven years in the NHL.
Ben Scrivens opposed Hiller in goal, and equally held Switzerland scoreless. Scrivens made a first-period save that hinted that the matchup could lead to a battle between goaltenders.
The former Maple Leafs goaltender recorded 19 saves in his first win of the tournament.
Carey Price who?.. what a save Scrivens 🔥👀 #KarjalaCup pic.twitter.com/dAxwaFE6Ep
— david nestico (@davidnestico200) November 8, 2017
When Switzerland's forward Michael Fora opened the scoring in the second period to give his team the 1-0 lead, Canada's offense responded. Gilbert Brule took advantage of a well-placed puck that landed at his skates to give Team Canada its first goal of the tournament. It was the goal that Canada needed to power through the second period.
Gilbert Brulé answers for @HC_Men banging home the rebound #KarjalaCup pic.twitter.com/97ukXdgPvT
— Shayne Pasquino (@shaynepasquino) November 8, 2017
Forwards Eric O'Dell and Matt Ellison scored just 64 seconds apart to provide Canada a comfortable 3-1 lead heading into the final period. Despite a late goal by Switzerland, Scrivens and Canada stood tall to claim its first Karjala Cup win.
Canada will face Sweden on Friday. Sweden won its first matchup of the Karjala Cup against the Czech Republic 5-3.