Canada Hangs On Against Germany

The first period was extremely nervous highlighted by misfired shots and a botched breakaway by Michael Peca. Joe Sakic broke the ice when he slid the puck under goaltender Marc Seliger at 8:59 of the second frame.

Paul Kariya and Adam Foote added goals, but Canada nearly got burned while trying to sit on the lead in the third, when Andreas Loth and Jochen Hecht scored in a determined German comeback attempt.

"We didn't play very well, but we got the win," said winger Paul Kariya. "We have a lot of guys who haven't played together, but it's starting to come. I just think we need a few more days."

Head coach Pat Quinn was forced to shuffle his lines when team captain Mario Lemieux sat out the game due to a nagging hip injury.

Germany earned the respect of Canada as they played a gritty, determined but boring game plan. Germany would line up four, sometimes all five players along their own blueline and just attempted to stifle the Canadians. The Canadians were puzzled by the tactic early in the game.

"It took us a period to finally find it," said forward Michael Peca. "They were lined up at the blue-line. And it was big on the power play to capitalize on two."

The power play was effective. Paul Kariya scored on a 5 minute power play after Daniel Kunce cut Ryan Smyth with a check from behind. Adam Foote's goal came a second after a power play ended.

Martin Brodeur started the game for Canada and was solid though unspectacular. By getting the win, he earned another shot at the starting role.

Both Gold Medal Games  in Their Entirety on DVD Hockey Gold Medal 2002

Great Documentary Gold Rush 2002

Game Summary