WA-NYR-TradeRumours Canada vs. USA has become a literal fistfight for hockey supremacy. And when the fists are not flying, we're seeing some of the best stickhandling in history. What we've also witnessed – if the most recent Canada-U.S. game was a barometer – is Uncle Sam bypassing Johnny Canuck in the race for the top. When they meet again on Thursday in Boston, the Canucks will try to swing the see-saw of supremacy the other way. And with that in mind, I asked my favorite Canadian hockey seer Mark Nussbaum of Toronto what Canada has to do to win. Here's his view: "The Americans have found the swag," says Nussbaum. "And Canada lost it. The pride in wearing the Maple Leaf is not the same as it once was. "Furthermore, tonight I expect a big game out of my brethren against Finland; a statement game. Looking ahead to the Canada-USA rematch in Boston, here's what Canada has to do. "First, find better linemates for Connor McDavid. Move Mitch Marner off McD's line because the two have no chemistry. As a Leaf, Marner is accustomed to being the primary driver; but not with Connor." Nussbaum is right. Canada's coach Jon Cooper has to devise a better line for McDavid. But the team from up North has other problems – especially in the crease. America's Connor Hellebuyck is better than Canada's Jordan Binnington, but it appears that Binner will get another chance Nussbaum: "We're not asking Binnington to be great; he just needs to be solid and not let in bad ones. More than that we need 'The Maritime Boys,' Sid Crosby and Nate MacKinnon, to get going. "Sam Bennett is wearing the Maple Leaf with pride and has been a positive menace. Brad Marchand has been solid, but again, we need more feistiness from the pest." Conspicuous by his absence from Team Canada is crack defenseman Cale Makar, sidelined with an injury. "Having a healthy Cale for Thursday night could make a world of difference for Canada," Nussbaum adds. "Having him play half the game will tip the scales." The Maven asked The Canadian Seer to make a couple of predictions. Here's what he shot back: "Canada will dominate Finland tonight and beat America, 5-3, in Boston on Thursday." I'm holding him to it and will compare notes right after the BIGGEST Uncle Sam-Johnny Canuck game! The Maven's prediction, 4-1 America!
