Sharp’s 5 points lead Canada past Les Bleus

Canada didn't have any problems beating France in the afternoon game today in Helsinki. By cruising around at half speed, they scored seven times against two goals from France. The shots were 37-21 for Canada.

The scoring party started at the 1:59 mark, when Calder Trophy candidate Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored on a nice pass from Patrick Sharp. Canada controlled the game totally and it felt like France even themselves really didn't believe in their chances. 

French forward Brian Henderson doesn't agree with that comment, however. "We went into the game to play hard and to try our best.You never know what will happen." 

Before the first period was over, Sharp scored once and Ryan Benn twice for the Maple Leafs. France finally got on the board thanks to Canadian defenceman Duncan Keith, who made a terrible giveaway in his own zone. Keith's sloppy pass opened a chance for Brian Henderson, who beat Devan Dubnyk in the Canadian goal.

The second period was a bad advertisement for hockey and a waste of money for 3400 spectators. All spirit, enthusiasm and tempo were missing. Of course, it wasn't Canada's fault that they were so superior. They managed to score once more, coutesty Jordan Eberle on the power play. France got their second goal only 30 seconds later, this time thanks to Dubnyk, whose clearing attempt failed. Alexandre Rouleau got the puck and scored.

The third period was just to play away remaining 20 minutes. Canada got two more goals from Nugent-Hopkins and Corey Perry, who got his first goal in the tournament.

At the end of it all, this was one of those games in the tournament which had nothing to get excited about. Canada is naturally one of the hottest candidates for gold and France is to avoid relegation, so there is obviously a big difference between these teams.